Sheet with wristband

ABSTRACT

A printable form with a printable face ply and a wristband releasably bonded to the printable form. The wristband may be detached from the printable form and secured around a body part for use in identification.

This patent application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.12/471,628, filed May 26, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,066,306, which is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/175,736, filed Jul.18, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,828,333. The disclosure of each of theforegoing is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

Identification wristbands are commonly used in a hospital or othersetting to promote the easy identification of patients or other wearers.In the instance of a hospital use, a patient is generally provided withan identification wristband that is secured about the wrist of thepatient upon admission to the hospital. In addition, a number of labelsfor use in identifying fluid samples, medications, charts, folders,papers and other common hospital objects specific to an admitted patientare often printed when a patient is admitted.

Often, the labels and wristbands are printed separately. The wristbandis placed on the patient, while the labels are put into a patient chart,or otherwise saved for later use. However, in an effort to streamlinepatient admission procedures, and in light of the widespread use and lowcost of computer driven printers such as laser printers, it has becomedesirable to print the labels and wristbands in a single step.

Accordingly, it is desired to provide an improved form of a combinedwristband and printable label sheet.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure includes disclosure of a printable form. At leastone embodiment of a printable form according to the present disclosurecomprises a substrate material with a leading edge, a trailing edge,first and second side edges, a face ply, and a face ply surface; awristband that comprises a top side and an opposing underside with anunderside surface, the wristband being bounded by a leading margin, atrailing margin, and first and second side margins; a first adhesivestripe adhered to the underside surface and releasably bonded to theface ply surface; and a dry lift adhesive material interposed betweenthe underside surface and the face ply, where the dry lift adhesivematerial causes the underside surface to be removably adhered to theface ply. In an aspect of at least one such embodiment of the presentdisclosure, the printable form further comprises at least onetransponder attached to the wristband. In an aspect of at least one suchembodiment of the present disclosure, the printable form furthercomprises at least one transponder between the liner ply and the faceply within the boundary of at least one label. In an aspect of at leastone such embodiment of the present disclosure, the wristband furthercomprises a tamper resistant feature formed in the wristband, the tamperresistant feature being formed in the wristband within an area of thewristband to which the first adhesive stripe is adhered. In an aspect ofat least one such embodiment of the present disclosure, such a tamperresistant feature comprises at least one line of weakness formed in thewristband, the line(s) of weakness being inboard of the leading margin,the trailing margin, and the first and second side margins. In an aspectof at least one such embodiment of the present disclosure, a printableform further comprises a second adhesive stripe adhered to the undersidesurface and releasably bonded to the face ply surface, wherein the firstadhesive stripe is positioned closer to a leading margin than to atrailing margin, and the second adhesive stripe is positioned closer tothe trailing margin than to the leading margin. In an aspect of at leastone such embodiment of the present disclosure, a wristband is removablefrom the face ply, wherein following removal from the face ply the firstadhesive stripe and the second adhesive stripe remain adhered to theunderside surface. In an aspect of at least one embodiment of thepresent disclosure, a dry lift adhesive material is used comprisingproperties such that when the wristband is removed from the face ply theunderside surface is substantially free of tackiness except where thefirst adhesive stripe is adhered.

At least one embodiment of a printable form according to the presentdisclosure comprises a substrate material with a leading edge, atrailing edge, first and second side edges, and a face ply, the face plycomprising a face ply surface; a wristband comprising a top side and anopposing underside, the top side comprising a top surface, the wristbandbeing bounded by a leading margin, a trailing margin, and first andsecond side margins; a first laminate piece, the first laminate piecehaving an first upper side and an opposing first lower side, the firstlower side adhered to the top surface such that a portion of the firstlaminate piece extends past the leading margin exposing a region of thefirst lower side; and a first adhesive stripe adhered to the exposedregion of the first lower side, the first adhesive stripe releasablybonded to the face ply surface. In an aspect of at least one suchembodiment of the present disclosure, at least one transponder attachedto the wristband. In an aspect of at least one such embodiment of thepresent disclosure, the printable form further comprises at least onetransponder between the liner ply and the face ply within the boundaryof at least one label. In an aspect of at least one such embodiment ofthe present disclosure, the first laminate piece comprises a line ofweakness; and a first adhesive stripe adhesive stripe is adhered to thefirst lower side on each side of the line of weakness. In an aspect ofat least one such embodiment of the present disclosure, the printableform further comprises a second laminate piece, the second laminatepiece having an second upper side and an opposing second lower side, thesecond lower side adhered to the top surface such that a portion of thesecond laminate piece extends past the trailing margin exposing a regionof the second lower side; and a second adhesive stripe adhered to theexposed region of the second lower side, the second adhesive stripereleasably bonded to the face ply surface. In an aspect of at least onesuch embodiment of the present disclosure, the printable form furthercomprises a dry lift adhesive material interposed between the undersideand the face ply, the dry lift adhesive material causing the undersideto be removably adhered to the face ply.

At least one embodiment of a printable form according to the presentdisclosure comprises a substrate material with a leading edge, atrailing edge, first and second side edges, a face ply, a liner ply, andan adhesive ply interposed between the face ply and the liner ply andremovably adhering the face ply to the liner ply, the face plycomprising a face ply surface; a wristband, the wristband comprising atop side and an opposing underside, the underside comprising anunderside surface, the wristband being bounded by a leading margin, atrailing margin, and first and second side margins; a first adhesivestripe adhered to the underside surface, the first adhesive stripehaving a first periphery, the first adhesive stripe permanently bondingthe underside surface to the face ply surface; and a first face plypatch boundary defined in the face ply, the first face ply patchboundary circumscribing a first face ply patch, the first periphery ofthe first adhesive stripe being within the first face ply patchboundary. In an aspect of at least one such embodiment of the presentdisclosure, at least one transponder attached to the wristband. In anaspect of at least one such embodiment of the present disclosure, theprintable form further comprises at least one transponder between theliner ply and the face ply within the boundary of at least one label. Inan aspect of at least one such embodiment of the present disclosure, theprintable form further comprises a second adhesive stripe adhered to theunderside surface, the second adhesive stripe having a second periphery,the second adhesive stripe permanently bonding the underside surface tothe face ply surface; and a second face ply patch boundary defined inthe face ply, the second face ply patch boundary circumscribing a secondface ply patch, the second periphery of the second adhesive stripe beingwithin the second face ply patch boundary, wherein the first adhesivestripe is positioned closer to the leading margin than to the trailingmargin, and the second adhesive stripe is positioned closer to thetrailing margin than to the leading margin. In an aspect of at least onesuch embodiment of the present disclosure, the wristband is removablefrom the substrate material, and following removal from the substratematerial the first face ply patch remains adhered to the undersidesurface and the first face ply patch retains adhesive from the adhesiveply. In an aspect of at least one such embodiment of the presentdisclosure, the printable form further comprises a dry lift adhesivematerial interposed between the underside and the face ply, the dry liftadhesive material causing the underside to be removably adhered to theface ply.

At least one embodiment of a printable form according to the presentdisclosure comprises a substrate material with a leading edge, atrailing edge, first and second side edges, a face ply, a liner ply, andan adhesive ply interposed between the face ply and the liner ply andremovably adhering the face ply to the liner ply, the face plycomprising a face ply surface; a first void in the face ply, the firstvoid comprising a missing region of the face ply, the liner ply beingexposed in the area of the first void; a wristband, the wristbandcomprising a top side and an opposing underside, the undersidecomprising an underside surface, the wristband being bounded by aleading margin, a trailing margin, and first and second side margins;and a first adhesive stripe adhered to the underside surface, the firstadhesive stripe having a first periphery, the first adhesive stripereleasably bonding the underside surface to the liner ply being exposedin the area of the first void, the first periphery of the first adhesivestripe being within the first void. In an aspect of at least one suchembodiment of the present disclosure, at least one transponder attachedto the wristband. In an aspect of at least one such embodiment of thepresent disclosure, the printable form further comprises at least onetransponder between the liner ply and the face ply within the boundaryof at least one label. In an aspect of at least one such embodiment ofthe present disclosure, the printable form further comprises a secondvoid in the face ply, the second void comprising a missing region of theface ply, the liner ply being exposed in the area of the second void;and a second adhesive stripe adhered to the underside surface, thesecond adhesive stripe having a second periphery, the second adhesivestripe releasably bonding the underside surface to the liner ply beingexposed in the area of the second void, the second periphery of thesecond adhesive stripe being within the second void, wherein the firstadhesive stripe is positioned closer to the leading margin than to thetrailing margin, and the second adhesive stripe is positioned closer tothe trailing margin than to the leading margin. In an aspect of at leastone such embodiment of the present disclosure, the wristband isremovable from the substrate material, and following removal from thesubstrate material the first adhesive stripe remains adhered to theunderside surface. In an aspect of at least one such embodiment of thepresent disclosure, the printable form further comprises a dry liftadhesive material interposed between the underside and the face ply, thedry lift adhesive material causing the underside to be removably adheredto the face ply.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features and advantages of this disclosure, and the manner ofattaining them, will be more apparent and better understood by referenceto the following descriptions of the disclosed methods and systems,taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1A shows a top view of a wristband label sheet according to atleast one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1B shows the underside of a wristband according to at least oneembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1C shows a bottom view of wristband label sheet according to atleast one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2A shows a top view of a wristband label sheet according to atleast one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2B shows the underside of a wristband according to at least oneembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2C shows a bottom view of wristband label sheet according to atleast one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a wristbandlabel sheet according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a wristbandlabel sheet according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a wristbandlabel sheet according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a wristbandlabel sheet according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional of an embodiment of a wristband labelsheet according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 8A-C shows a flowchart for a process for manufacturing a wristbandlabel sheet according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 9 shows an illustration of at least one embodiment of a wristbandaccording to the present disclosure in use.

FIG. 10A shows a top view of a wristband label sheet according to atleast one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10B shows the underside of a wristband according to at least oneembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a wristbandlabel sheet according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 12 shows a cross-sectional of an embodiment of a wristband labelsheet according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13A shows a top view of a wristband label sheet according to atleast one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13B shows a top view of a label sheet according to at least oneembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 14 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a wristbandlabel sheet according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 15 shows a cross-sectional of an embodiment of a wristband labelsheet according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 16 shows the underside of a wristband according to at least oneembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 17A shows a top view of a wristband label sheet according to atleast one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 17B shows a top view of a label sheet according to at least oneembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 18 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a wristbandlabel sheet according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 19 shows a cross-sectional of an embodiment of a wristband labelsheet according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 20 shows the underside of a wristband according to at least oneembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 21 shows a top view of a wristband label sheet according to atleast one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 22 shows the underside of a wristband according to at least oneembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 23 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a wristbandlabel sheet according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 24 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a wristbandlabel sheet according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 25 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a wristbandlabel sheet according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 26 shows a top view of a wristband label sheet according to atleast one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 27A-C shows a flowchart for a process for manufacturing awristband label sheet according to at least one embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 28 shows the underside of a wristband according to at least oneembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 29A-B show side views of a wristband according to at least oneembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 30 shows a perspective view of the tamper resistant features of awristband according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 31 shows a top view of a wristband label sheet according to atleast one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 32 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a wristbandlabel sheet according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 33 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a wristbandlabel sheet according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 34 shows a top view of a wristband label sheet according to atleast one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 35 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a wristbandlabel sheet according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 36 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a wristbandlabel sheet according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIGS. 37A-B show side views of a wristband according to at least oneembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 38A-D shows a flowchart for a process for manufacturing awristband label sheet according to at least one embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 39A shows a top view of a wristband label sheet according to atleast one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 39B shows a top view of a wristband label sheet according to atleast one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 40 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a wristbandlabel sheet according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 41 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a wristbandlabel sheet according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 42 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a wristbandlabel sheet according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 43 shows a detailed top view of one end of a wristband according toat least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 44A-D shows a flowchart for a process for manufacturing awristband label sheet according to at least one embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

DESCRIPTION

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of thepresent disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodimentsillustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used todescribe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitationof the scope of this disclosure is thereby intended.

FIG. 1A shows a top view of wristband label sheet 10 according to atleast one embodiment of the present disclosure. Shown in FIG. 1A arelabel sheet 12, comprising label material 14 and liner material 16.Adhesive 15 (not shown in FIG. 1A) is interposed between label material14 and liner material 16 and removably adheres label material 14 toliner material 16. In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure,liner material 16 comprises a silicone coating on the surface facingadhesive 15. In the embodiment of wristband label sheet 10 shown in FIG.1A, liner material 16 is bounded by leading edge 20, trailing edge 22,side edge 24, and side edge 26. Label sheet 12 may be of any size. In atleast one embodiment of label sheet 12 according to the presentdisclosure, the outer dimensions of label sheet 12 are selected toenable label sheet 12 to fit in a commercially available printingdevice. For example, in such an embodiment, the outer dimensions oflabel sheet 12 may be 8½″×11″, 8½″×14″, or 210 mm×297 mm.

In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, label material 14comprises perimeter 19 defining a boundary of label material 14. In atleast one embodiment of the present disclosure, at least a portion ofperimeter 19 is inboard of the boundary formed by leading edge 20,trailing edge 22, side edge 24, and side edge 26. In at least oneembodiment of the present disclosure, perimeter 19 is coextensive withthe boundary formed by leading edge 20, trailing edge 22, side edge 24,and side edge 26.

In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, label material 14comprises a material suitable for the printing of indicia thereon, suchas, for example, paper, polyester, or another polymer material. Indiciamay be marked or printed on the top side of label material 14. Forexample, the top side of label material 14 may be exposed to an ink jetprinter, a laser print, or another type of printing device capable ofapplying indicia to the top side of label material 14. The inks, toners,and/or other printing materials used in the application of indicia tothe top side of label material 14 are selected to be compatible with theprinting device used to apply such indicia, the material used for labelmaterial 14, and the intended use of wristband label sheet 10.

In the embodiment of wristband label sheet 10 shown in FIG. 1A, labelmaterial 14 comprises a plurality of labels 18. In at least oneembodiment, labels 18 are die cut in label material 14. In at least oneembodiment of the present disclosure, label material 14 comprisestwenty-four labels 18, each having dimensions of about 1″×2.5″. Othersizes and quantities of labels 18 are possible.

In the embodiment of wristband label sheet 10 shown in FIG. 1A, labelmaterial 14 comprises release patch 28 and release patch 30. Releasepatches 28, 30 comprise areas of a release coating (such as, forexample, a silicone) applied to the surface of label material 14, toallow the removable adherence of wristband 32 to label sheet 14, asdiscussed hereinafter. In at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure, release patches 28, 30 comprise free radical ultravioletcured silicone. In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure,release patches 28, 30 comprise a cationic ultraviolet cured releasecoating. Alternatively, any type of coating (including no-siliconecoatings) that permits the removable adherence of wristband 32 to labelsheet 14 may be used.

Also shown in the embodiment of wristband label sheet 10 shown in FIG.1A is wristband 32 comprising stub 33 and line of weakness 40. In atleast one embodiment of the present disclosure, line of weakness 40comprises a series of perforations. In at least one embodiment of thepresent disclosure, wristband 32 (including stub 33) is constructed of apolyester material, although other materials suitable for the intendeduse of wristband 32 may be used. In at least one embodiment of thepresent disclosure, wristband 32 has dimensions of about 1″×10.75″,however wristband 32 may be of any size that fits on label sheet 12.

FIG. 1B shows the underside of wristband 32 before attachment to labelsheet 12, according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure. Shown in FIG. 1B are wristband 32 comprising stub 33,adhesive stripe 34, adhesive stripe 36, adhesive stripe 38, and line ofweakness 40. In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure,adhesive stripes 34, 36, 38 comprise a layer of a hot melt adhesive.

Referring back to FIG. 1A, shown therein are the locations of adhesivestripes 34, 36, 38 on the underside of wristband 32. Adhesive stripe 34is interposed between label material 14 and stub 33, and adheres labelmaterial 14 to stub 33. In at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure, adhesive stripe 34 is oriented toward leading edge 20 oflabel sheet 12. Adhesive stripe 36 is interposed between wristband 32and release patch 28 and removably adheres wristband 32 to release patch28. Adhesive stripe 38 is interposed between wristband 32 and releasepatch 30 and removably adheres wristband 32 to release patch 30. Asdiscussed hereinafter, adhesive stripes 36, 38 are operable to securewristband 32 around a subject's wrist after wristband 32 is removed fromlabel sheet 12.

In at least one alternative embodiment of the present disclosure,release patch 28 and adhesive stripe 36 may be omitted from wristbandlabel sheet 10. In such an embodiment adhesive stripe 34 remains and isinterposed between label material 14 and stub 33 to adhere labelmaterial 14 to stub 33. In such an embodiment adhesive stripe 38 remainsand is interposed between wristband 32 and release patch 30 to removablyadhere wristband 32 to release patch 30.

In at least one alternative embodiment of the present disclosure,adhesive stripes 36, 38 comprise a repositionable adhesive. In such anembodiment release patches 28, 30 may be omitted from wristband labelsheet 10. In at least one other alternative embodiment of the presentdisclosure, a wristband label sheet comprises a stub at each end of thewristband.

Indicia may be marked or printed on the top side of wristband 32. Forexample, the top side of wristband 32 may be exposed to an ink jetprinter, a laser print, or another type of printing device capable ofapplying indicia to the top side of wristband 32. Indicia may be printedon wristband 32 before, after, or concurrently with the printing ofindicia on label material 14. The inks, toners, and/or other printingmaterials used in the application of indicia to the top side ofwristband 32 are selected to be compatible with the printing device usedto apply such indicia, the material used for wristband 32, and theintended use of wristband 32.

FIG. 1C shows a bottom view of wristband label sheet 10 of FIG. 1A.Shown in FIG. 1C is liner 16, bounded by leading edge 20, trailing edge22, side edge 24, and side edge 26.

FIG. 2A shows a top view of wristband label sheet 110 according to atleast one embodiment of the present disclosure. Shown in FIG. 2A arelabel sheet 112, comprising label material 114 and liner material 116.Adhesive 115 (not shown in FIG. 2A) is interposed between label material114 and liner material 116 and removably adheres label material 114 toliner material 116. In at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure, liner material 116 comprises a silicone coating on thesurface facing adhesive 115. In the embodiment of wristband label sheet110 shown in FIG. 2A, liner material 116 is bounded by leading edge 120,trailing edge 122, side edge 124, and side edge 126. Label sheet 112 maybe of any size. In at least one embodiment of label sheet 112 accordingto the present disclosure, the outer dimensions of label sheet 112 areselected to enable label sheet 112 to fit in a commercially availableprinting device. For example, in such an embodiment, the outerdimensions of label sheet 112 may be 8½″×11″, 8½″×14″, or 210 mm×297 mm.

In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, label material 114comprises perimeter 119 defining a boundary of label material 114. In atleast one embodiment of the present disclosure, at least a portion ofperimeter 119 is inboard of the boundary formed by leading edge 120,trailing edge 122, side edge 124, and side edge 126. In at least oneembodiment of the present disclosure, perimeter 119 is coextensive withthe boundary formed by leading edge 120, trailing edge 122, side edge124, and side edge 126.

In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, label material 114comprises a material suitable for the printing of indicia thereon, suchas, for example, paper, polyester, or another polymer material. Indiciamay be marked or printed on the top side of label material 114. Forexample, the top side of label material 114 may be exposed to an ink jetprinter, a laser print, or another type of printing device capable ofapplying indicia to the top side of label material 114. The inks,toners, and/or other printing materials used in the application ofindicia to the top side of label material 114 are selected to becompatible with the printing device used to apply such indicia, thematerial used for label material 114, and the intended use of wristbandlabel sheet 110.

In the embodiment of wristband label sheet 110 shown in FIG. 2A, labelmaterial 114 comprises a plurality of labels 118. In at least oneembodiment, labels 118 are die cut in label material 114. In at leastone embodiment of the present disclosure, label material 114 comprisestwenty-four labels 118, each having dimensions of about 1″×2.5″. Othersizes and quantities of labels 118 are possible.

In the embodiment of wristband label sheet 110 shown in FIG. 2A, labelmaterial 114 comprises release patch 128 and release patch 130. Releasepatches 128, 130 comprise areas of a release coating (such as, forexample, a silicone) applied to the surface of label material 114, toallow the removable adherence of wristband 132 to label sheet 114, asdiscussed hereinafter. In at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure, release patches 128, 130 comprise free radical ultravioletcured silicone. In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure,release patches 128, 130 comprise a cationic ultraviolet cured releasecoating. Alternatively, any type of coating (including no-siliconecoatings) that permits the removable adherence of wristband 132 to labelsheet 114 may be used.

Also shown in the embodiment of wristband label sheet 110 shown in FIG.2A is wristband 132. In at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure, wristband 132 is constructed of a polyester material,although other materials suitable for the intended use of wristband 132may be used. In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure,wristband 132 has dimensions of about 1″×10.75″, however wristband 132may be of any size that fits on label sheet 112.

FIG. 2B shows the underside of wristband 132 before attachment to labelsheet 112, according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure. Shown in FIG. 2B are wristband 132 comprising adhesivestripe 136 and adhesive stripe 138. In at least one embodiment of thepresent disclosure, adhesive stripes 136, 138 comprise a layer of a hotmelt adhesive.

Referring back to FIG. 2A, shown therein are the locations of adhesivestripes 136, 138 on the underside of wristband 132. Adhesive stripe 136is interposed between wristband 132 and release patch 128 and removablyadheres wristband 132 to release patch 128. Adhesive stripe 138 isinterposed between wristband 132 and release patch 130 and removablyadheres wristband 132 to release patch 130. As discussed hereinafter,adhesive stripes 136, 138 are operable to secure wristband 132 around asubject's wrist after wristband 132 is removed from label sheet 112.

In at least one alternative embodiment of the present disclosure,adhesive stripes 136, 138 comprise a repositionable adhesive. In such anembodiment release patches 128, 130 may be omitted from wristband labelsheet 110.

Indicia may be marked or printed on the top side of wristband 132. Forexample, the top side of wristband 132 may be exposed to an ink jetprinter, a laser print, or another type of printing device capable ofapplying indicia to the top side of wristband 132. Indicia may beprinted on wristband 132 before, after, or concurrently with theprinting of indicia on label material 114. The inks, toners, and/orother printing materials used in the application of indicia to the topside of wristband 132 are selected to be compatible with the printingdevice used to apply such indicia, the material used for wristband 132,and the intended use of wristband 132.

FIG. 2C shows a bottom view of wristband label sheet 110 of FIG. 2A.Shown in FIG. 2C is liner 116, bounded by leading edge 120, trailingedge 122, side edge 124, and side edge 126.

FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of wristband labelsheet 10 of FIG. 1A taken on line III-III of FIG. 1A, with theproportions enhanced for purposes of clarity. Shown in FIG. 3 are labelmaterial 14, adhesive layer 15, liner material 16, release patch 28,release patch 30, wristband 32, stub 33, adhesive stripe 34, adhesivestripe 36, adhesive stripe 38, and line of weakness 40.

According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure,wristband 32 is removable from label sheet 12 by grasping wristband 32between adhesive stripe 36 and adhesive stripe 38 and pulling wristband32 away from label sheet 12. FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of anembodiment of wristband label sheet 10 according to at least oneembodiment of the present disclosure, with the proportions enhanced forpurposes of clarity. As shown in FIG. 4, wristband 32 is partiallyseparated from label sheet 12. As shown in FIG. 4, adhesive stripe 36and adhesive stripe 38 have separated from release patch 28 and releasepatch 30, respectively. Release patch 28 and release patch 30 remain onthe top surface of label material 14. Adhesive stripe 36 and adhesivestripe 38 remain adhered to the underside of wristband 32. Stub 33remains adhered to the top surface of label material 14 by adhesivestripe 34. Wristband 32 remains attach to stub 33 at line of weakness40.

FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of wristband labelsheet 10 according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure,with the proportions enhanced for purposes of clarity. As shown in FIG.5, wristband 32 is fully separated from label sheet 12, and wristband 32is separated from stub 33 at line of weakness 40. Stub 33 remainsadhered to the top surface of label material 14 by adhesive stripe 34.As shown in FIG. 5, adhesive stripes 36, 38 remain adhered to theunderside of wristband 32, and release patch 28 and release patch 30remain adhered to label material 14.

FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of wristband labelsheet 110 of FIG. 2A taken on line VI-VI of FIG. 2A, with theproportions enhanced for purposes of clarity. Shown in FIG. 6 are labelmaterial 114, adhesive layer 115, liner material 116, release patch 128,release patch 130, wristband 132, adhesive stripe 136, and adhesivestripe 138.

According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure,wristband 132 is removable from label sheet 112 by grasping wristband132 between adhesive stripe 136 and adhesive stripe 138 and pullingwristband 132 away from label sheet 112. FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectionalview of an embodiment of wristband label sheet 110 according to at leastone embodiment of the present disclosure, with the proportions enhancedfor purposes of clarity. As shown in FIG. 7, wristband 132 is separatedfrom label sheet 112. As shown in FIG. 7, adhesive stripe 136 andadhesive stripe 138 have separated from release patch 128 and releasepatch 130, respectively. Release patch 128 and release patch 130 remainon the top surface of label material 114. Adhesive stripe 136 andadhesive stripe 138 remain adhered to the underside of wristband 132.

FIGS. 8A-C shows a flowchart illustrating a process for manufacturing awristband label sheet according to at least one embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

In step 801 of the embodiment of the present disclosure shown in FIG.8A, a web of label material comprising a silicone coated liner, labelface material, and a pressure sensitive adhesive interposed between thesilicone coated liner and label face material, is unwound from a rolland fed mechanically into one or more flexographic printheads. Accordingto at least on embodiment of the present disclosure, the web of labelmaterial comprises an edge margin of at least about ½″ on each edge,such that the overall width of web of label material is 1″ greater thanthe desired width of the finished product.

Alternatively, separate webs of liner material and label face materialmay be unwound from a roll and fed mechanically into a process by whicha pressure sensitive adhesive is applied to either the liner material orlabel face material, and then the liner material and label face materialare laminated to together with the pressure sensitive adhesiveinterposed between the liner material and label face material. In suchan application the pressure sensitive adhesive may be coated edge toedge or it may be coated in a pattern with voids of adhesive whererequired.

In step 802 of the embodiment of the present disclosure shown in FIG.8A, one or more flexographic printheads apply one or more releasepatches comprising silicone or another type of release coating to thesurface of the label face material. Such flexographic printheads alsomay apply colored inks. If advantageous to improve the performance ofthe silicone or other type of release patch material, a primer may beprinted prior to printing the silicone or other release coating. In atleast one embodiment of the present disclosure, the silicone that isused is free radical ultraviolet curable silicone, in which the siliconeis printed with conventional flexoprinting technology and then is curedin a ultraviolet curing system that exposes the uncured silicone toultraviolet light. In such cases, the flexographic printing step shownon FIG. 8A includes a ultraviolet curing step. In at least oneembodiment of the present disclosure, such an ultraviolet curing systemcomprises nitrogen to promote the cure. Other embodiments of the presentdisclosure may use ultraviolet curable silicones that do not requirenitrogen to cure, but such silicones may be less reliable for consistentrelease values. Still other embodiments of the present disclosure userelease coatings that do not contain silicone and may or may not requireultraviolet light to cure or dry.

In step 803 of the embodiment of the present disclosure shown in FIG.8A, after the flexographic printing step, the web of label material thentravels through rotary die stations, where the web of label material canbe die cut to create multiple labels, label cavities, slits, peel tabs,lines of weakness, perforations, punched holes for insertion intobinders or folders, or any other specified die cutting. Such die cuttingmay be die cutting of the label face material only, the liner materialonly, or both the label face material and the liner material.

In step 804 of the embodiment of the present disclosure shown in FIG.8A, the web of label material proceeds to a punching station wherepinfeed holes are punched in ½″ margins at each edge of the web of labelmaterial, to facilitate registration of the web of label material in theprocess during which wristbands are applied to the web of label material(discussed hereinafter).

In step 805 of the embodiment of the present disclosure shown in FIG.8A, if required for the wristband label sheet design, portions of thelabel face material are removed. For example, it may be required for thewristband label sheet design that the border comprising the outer edgesof the label face material be removed prior to delivery to a customer.In such a case, the border can be separated from the portion of thelabel face material that is desired to remain by a die cut through thelabel face material only, and then the waste at the border of the labelface material can be peeled off at a waste removal station and thenwound on a waste roll or sucked away by a vacuum removal system.

In step 806 of the embodiment of the present disclosure shown in FIG.8A, after printing of release patches, die cutting, and punching ofpinfeed holes, the web of label material is rewound onto rolls that willbe furnished to the patching machine process.

In step 807 of the embodiment of the present disclosure shown in FIG.8B, the rolled web of label material from step 807 is unwound and fedinto a patching machine, wherein one or more wristbands will be appliedto the web of label material.

In at least one alternative embodiment of the present disclosure, thesteps shown as step 806 and step 807 of the embodiment of the presentdisclosure shown in FIG. 8B may be omitted. In such an embodiment, theweb of label material proceeds to step 808 of the embodiment of thepresent disclosure shown in FIG. 8B.

In step 808 of the embodiment of the present disclosure shown in FIG.8B, the punched pinfeed holes in the web of label material engage with apinfeed mechanism of the patching machine. The pinfeed mechanism of thepatching machine pulls the web of label material into and through thepatching machine by pins that penetrate the previously punched pinfeedholes and rotate on gear driven shafts to drive the web of labelmaterial through the patching machine at a predetermined feed rate.

In step 809 of the embodiment of the present disclosure shown in FIG.8B, a roll of wristband material (such as, for example, a roll of apolyester material) is unwound mechanically and fed into the patchingmachine. According to at least on embodiment of the present disclosure,the width of the wristband material on the roll of wristband material isthe same as the desired width of the wristband to be applied to appliedto the web of label material (discussed hereinafter).

In step 810 of the embodiment of the present disclosure shown in FIG.8B, if required for the wristband label sheet design, lines of weaknessare cut into the unrolled wristband material at a perforating station.

In step 811 of the embodiment of the present disclosure shown in FIG.8B, the patching machine coats one or more stripes of adhesive on theunderside the web of wristband material polyester at an adhesive coatingstation.

In step 812 of the embodiment of the present disclosure shown in FIG.8C, the patching machine cuts each wristband to a predetermined length.For example, if the finished product required a 1″ long wristband, thepatching machine cuts off a 1″ length of wristband material from theroll of wristband material. In an exemplary embodiment where a 1″ long,10.75″ wide wristband is to be applied to an 8.5″, long label sheet, the10.75″ wide web of wristband material is fed by computer controlled niptype feed rollers at a rate of 1″ for every 8.5″ of label material isthat is fed through the patching machine. Although a 1″ long wristbandis used this example, the wristband can be any length. The length of thewristband can be controlled by entering a desired length in thecomputerized controller for the nip type feed rollers. The adhesivestriped, optionally perforated, web of wristband material is fed at thechosen rate to a vacuum cylinder. The vacuum cylinder holds the web ofwristband material in place while a cutting cylinder cuts a wristband ofthe predetermined length from the web. The vacuum cylinder serves as acutting anvil for the knife of a cutting cylinder. In certainembodiments of the present disclosure, a liquid silicone applicationcontacts the knives of the cutting cylinder to prevent the exposedadhesive that is on the web of wristband material from sticking to theknives of the cutting cylinder.

In step 813 of the embodiment of the present disclosure shown in FIG.8C, after the wristband is cut to length, the vacuum cylinder carrieseach cut-off wristband to an impression roller that is wrapped by theweb of label material. At the impression roller the wristband istransferred from the vacuum cylinder to the face of the web of labelmaterial. The wristband is applied such that one or more of the adhesivestripes on the underside of the wristband are aligned with one or moreof the release patches on the label face material. The wristband isadhered to the web of label material by the adhesive stripes that wereapplied to the underside of the wristband. The patching machinecomprises gearing that keeps the cutting cylinder and vacuum cylinder intime with the pace at which the patching machine's pinfeed mechanismmoves the web of label material.

In step 814 of the embodiment of the present disclosure shown in FIG.8C, if required for the wristband label sheet design, the ½″ margins(including the pinfeed holes) are mechanically trimmed off of the web oflabel material at a trimming station.

In step 815 of the embodiment of the present disclosure shown in FIG.8C, if required for the wristband label sheet design, the web of labelmaterial including the applied wristband is mechanically cut into sheetsat a sheeter station, with each sheet containing one or more wristbandsas required by the wristband label sheet design. The sheets are fed intoa batcher/stacker, and then may be shrink-wrapped and packaged. Sheetingis an alternative to the fanfolding step discussed hereinafter.

In step 816 of the embodiment of the present disclosure shown in FIG.8C, if required for the wristband label sheet design, the web of labelmaterial including the applied wristband may be fanfolded in-line with amechanical folder or by gravity in waterfall fashion, with each fanfoldcontaining one or more wristbands as required by the wristband labelsheet design. The wristband label sheet design may require the ½″margins with pinfeed holes to be left on the fanfolded web of labelmaterial. Fanfolding is an alternative to the sheeting step discussedabove.

FIG. 9 shows at least one embodiment of a wristband according to thepresent disclosure in use. As shown in FIG. 9, wristband 32 is loopedaround the wrist of a subject. An exposed adhesive surface of adhesivestripe 38 (not shown) is brought into contact with and adhered towristband 32 (as shown by arrow 39). After adhesive stripe 38 is adheredto wristband 32, the exposed adhesive surface of adhesive stripe 36 isbrought into contact with and adhered to wristband 32 (as shown by arrow37). The ends of wristband 32 are thereby adhered together and thewristband is secured around the wrist of the subject. Optionally, one ormore labels 18 may be removed from liner material 16 and adhered towristband 32. Such labels 18 may comprise printed indicia.

FIG. 10A shows a top view of wristband label sheet 1000 according to atleast one embodiment of the present disclosure. Shown in FIG. 10A arelabel sheet 1012, comprising label material 1014 and liner material1016. Adhesive 1015 (not shown in FIG. 10A) is interposed between labelmaterial 1014 and liner material 1016 and removably adheres labelmaterial 1014 to liner material 1016. In at least one embodiment of thepresent disclosure, liner material 1016 comprises a silicone coating onthe surface facing adhesive 1015. In the embodiment of wristband labelsheet 1000 shown in FIG. 10A, liner material 1016 is bounded by leadingedge 1020, trailing edge 1022, side edge 1024, and side edge 1026. Labelsheet 1012 may be of any size. In at least one embodiment of label sheet1012 according to the present disclosure, the outer dimensions of labelsheet 1012 are selected to enable label sheet 1012 to fit in acommercially available printing device. For example, in such anembodiment, the outer dimensions of label sheet 1012 may be 8½″×11″,8½″×14″, or 210 mm×297 mm.

In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, label material1014 comprises perimeter 1019 defining a boundary of label material1014. In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, at least aportion of perimeter 1019 is inboard of the boundary formed by leadingedge 1020, trailing edge 1022, side edge 1024, and side edge 1026. In atleast one embodiment of the present disclosure, perimeter 1019 iscoextensive with the boundary formed by leading edge 1020, trailing edge1022, side edge 1024, and side edge 1026.

In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, label material1014 comprises a material suitable for the printing of indicia thereon,such as, for example, paper, polyester, or another polymer material.Indicia may be marked or printed on the top side of label material 1014.For example, the top side of label material 1014 may be exposed to anink jet printer, a laser print, or another type of printing devicecapable of applying indicia to the top side of label material 1014. Theinks, toners, and/or other printing materials used in the application ofindicia to the top side of label material 1014 are selected to becompatible with the printing device used to apply such indicia, thematerial used for label material 1014, and the intended use of wristbandlabel sheet 1000.

In the embodiment of wristband label sheet 1000 shown in FIG. 10A, labelmaterial 1014 comprises a plurality of labels 1018. In at least oneembodiment, labels 1018 are die cut in label material 1014. In at leastone embodiment of the present disclosure, label material 1014 comprisestwenty-four labels 1018, each having dimensions of about 1″×2.5″. Othersizes and quantities of labels 1018 are possible.

In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, wristband 1032 isconstructed of a polyester material, although other materials suitablefor the intended use of wristband 1032 may be used. In at least oneembodiment of the present disclosure, wristband 1032 has dimensions ofabout 1″×10.75″, however wristband 1032 may be of any size that fits onlabel sheet 1012.

FIG. 10B shows the underside of wristband 1032 before attachment tolabel sheet 1012, according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure. Shown in FIG. 10B are wristband 1032 comprising adhesivestripe 1036 and adhesive stripe 1038. In at least one embodiment of thepresent disclosure, adhesive stripes 1036 and 1038 comprise a layer of arepositionable adhesive. In at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure, adhesive stripes 1036 and 1038 comprise a layer of aremovable adhesive. In at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure, adhesive stripes 1036 and 1038 comprise a layer of apressure sensitive adhesive.

Referring back to FIG. 10A, shown therein are the locations of adhesivestripes 1036, 1038 on the underside of wristband 1032. Adhesive stripe1036 is interposed between wristband 1032 to label material 1014 andremovably adheres wristband 1032 to label material 1014. Adhesive stripe1038 is interposed between wristband 1032 to label material 1014 andremovably adheres wristband 1032 to label material 1014. As discussedhereinafter, adhesive stripes 1036, 1038 are operable to securewristband 1032 around a subject's wrist after wristband 1032 is removedfrom label sheet 1012.

Indicia may be marked or printed on the top side of wristband 1032. Forexample, the top side of wristband 1032 may be exposed to an ink jetprinter, a laser print, or another type of printing device capable ofapplying indicia to the top side of wristband 1032. Indicia may beprinted on wristband 1032 before, after, or concurrently with theprinting of indicia on label material 1014. The inks, toners, and/orother printing materials used in the application of indicia to the topside of wristband 1032 are selected to be compatible with the printingdevice used to apply such indicia, the material used for wristband 1032,and the intended use of wristband 1032.

FIG. 11 shows a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of wristbandlabel sheet 1000 of FIG. 10A taken on line XI-XI of FIG. 10A, with theproportions enhanced for purposes of clarity. Shown in FIG. 11 are labelmaterial 1014, adhesive layer 1015, liner material 1016, wristband 1032,adhesive stripe 1036, and adhesive stripe 1038.

According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure,wristband 1032 is removable from label sheet 1012 by grasping wristband1032 between adhesive stripe 1036 and adhesive stripe 1038 and pullingwristband 1032 away from label sheet 1012. FIG. 12 shows across-sectional view of an embodiment of wristband label sheet 1000according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, with theproportions enhanced for purposes of clarity. As shown in FIG. 12,wristband 1032 is separated from label sheet 1012. As shown in FIG. 12,adhesive stripe 1036 and adhesive stripe 1038 have separated from labelmaterial 1014. Adhesive stripe 1036 and adhesive stripe 1038 remainadhered to the underside of wristband 1032.

FIG. 13A shows a top view of wristband label sheet 1300 according to atleast one embodiment of the present disclosure. Shown in FIG. 13A arelabel sheet 1312, comprising label material 1314 and liner material1316. Adhesive 1315 (not shown in FIG. 13A) is interposed between labelmaterial 1314 and liner material 1316 and removably adheres labelmaterial 1314 to liner material 1316. In at least one embodiment of thepresent disclosure, liner material 1316 comprises a silicone coating onthe surface facing adhesive 1315. In the embodiment of wristband labelsheet 1300 shown in FIG. 13A, liner material 1316 is bounded by leadingedge 1320, trailing edge 1322, side edge 1324, and side edge 1326. Labelsheet 1312 may be of any size. In at least one embodiment of label sheet1312 according to the present disclosure, the outer dimensions of labelsheet 1312 are selected to enable label sheet 1312 to fit in acommercially available printing device. For example, in such anembodiment, the outer dimensions of label sheet 1312 may be 8½″×11″,8½″×14″, or 210 mm×297 mm.

In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, label material1314 comprises perimeter 1319 defining a boundary of label material1314. In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, at least aportion of perimeter 1319 is inboard of the boundary formed by leadingedge 1320, trailing edge 1322, side edge 1324, and side edge 1326. In atleast one embodiment of the present disclosure, perimeter 1319 iscoextensive with the boundary formed by leading edge 1320, trailing edge1322, side edge 1324, and side edge 1326.

In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, label material1314 comprises a material suitable for the printing of indicia thereon,such as, for example, paper, polyester, or another polymer material.Indicia may be marked or printed on the top side of label material 1314.For example, the top side of label material 1314 may be exposed to anink jet printer, a laser print, or another type of printing devicecapable of applying indicia to the top side of label material 1314. Theinks, toners, and/or other printing materials used in the application ofindicia to the top side of label material 1314 are selected to becompatible with the printing device used to apply such indicia, thematerial used for label material 1314, and the intended use of wristbandlabel sheet 1300.

In the embodiment of wristband label sheet 1300 shown in FIG. 13A, labelmaterial 1314 comprises a plurality of labels 1318. In at least oneembodiment, labels 1318 are die cut in label material 1314. In at leastone embodiment of the present disclosure, label material 1314 comprisestwenty-four labels 1318, each having dimensions of about 1″×2.5″. Othersizes and quantities of labels 1318 are possible.

In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, wristband 1332 isconstructed of a polyester material, although other materials suitablefor the intended use of wristband 1332 may be used. In at least oneembodiment of the present disclosure, wristband 1332 has dimensions ofabout 1″×10.75″, however wristband 1332 may be of any size that fits onlabel sheet 1312.

FIG. 13B shows a top view of wristband label sheet 1300 according to atleast one embodiment of the present disclosure without the applicationof wristband 1332. Shown in FIG. 13B are patches 1342 and 1344. In atleast one embodiment, patches 1342 and 1344 are die cut in labelmaterial 1314.

Referring back to FIG. 13A, shown therein are the locations of adhesivestripes 1336, 1338 on the underside of wristband 1332. Adhesive stripe1336 is interposed between wristband 1332 and patch 1342 and adhereswristband 1332 to label material 1314. Adhesive stripe 1338 isinterposed between wristband 1332 and patch 1344 and adheres wristband1332 to label material 1314.

Indicia may be marked or printed on the top side of wristband 1332. Forexample, the top side of wristband 1332 may be exposed to an ink jetprinter, a laser print, or another type of printing device capable ofapplying indicia to the top side of wristband 1332. Indicia may beprinted on wristband 1332 before, after, or concurrently with theprinting of indicia on label material 1314. The inks, toners, and/orother printing materials used in the application of indicia to the topside of wristband 1332 are selected to be compatible with the printingdevice used to apply such indicia, the material used for wristband 1332,and the intended use of wristband 1332.

FIG. 14 shows a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of wristbandlabel sheet 1300 of FIG. 13A taken on line XIV-XIV of FIG. 13A, with theproportions enhanced for purposes of clarity. Shown in FIG. 14 are labelmaterial 1314, adhesive layer 1315, liner material 1316, wristband 1332,adhesive stripe 1336, adhesive stripe 1338, patch 1342, patch 1344,adhesive deposit 1346, and adhesive deposit 1348.

According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure,wristband 1332 is removable from label sheet 1312 by grasping wristband1332 between adhesive stripe 1336 and adhesive stripe 1338 and pullingwristband 1332 away from label sheet 1312. FIG. 15 shows across-sectional view of an embodiment of wristband label sheet 1300according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, with theproportions enhanced for purposes of clarity. As shown in FIG. 15,wristband 1332 is separated from label sheet 1312. As shown in FIG. 15,adhesive stripe 1336 and adhesive stripe 1338 remain adhered to theunderside of wristband 1332. As shown in FIG. 15, patch 1342 remainsadhered to adhesive stripe 1336 and patch 1344 remains adhered toadhesive stripe 1338 after wristband 1332 is separated from label sheet1312. Adhesive layer 1315 comprises adhesive deposit 1346 and adhesivedeposit 1348. As shown in FIG. 15, when wristband 1332 is separated fromlabel sheet 1312 along with adhesive stripe 1336, adhesive stripe 1338,patch 1342, and patch 1344, adhesive deposit 1346 remains adhered topatch 1342 and adhesive deposit 1348 remains adhered to patch 1344.

FIG. 16 shows the underside of wristband 1332 after separation fromlabel sheet 1312, according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure. Shown in FIG. 16 are wristband 1332 comprising adhesivedeposit 1346 and adhesive deposit 1348. In at least one embodiment ofthe present disclosure, adhesive deposit 1346 and adhesive deposit 1348comprise a layer of a repositionable adhesive. In at least oneembodiment of the present disclosure, adhesive deposit 1346 and adhesivedeposit 1348 comprise a layer of a removable adhesive. In at least oneembodiment of the present disclosure, adhesive deposit 1346 and adhesivedeposit 1348 comprise a layer of a pressure sensitive adhesive. Whenwristband 1332 according to an embodiment of the present invention islooped around the wrist of a subject, and the ends of wristband 1332 areadhered together using one or more of adhesive deposits 1346, 1348.

FIG. 17A shows a top view of wristband label sheet 1700 according to atleast one embodiment of the present disclosure. Shown in FIG. 17A arelabel sheet 1712, comprising label material 1714 and liner material1716. Adhesive 1715 is interposed between label material 1714 and linermaterial 1716 and removably adheres label material 1714 to linermaterial 1716. In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure,liner material 1716 comprises a silicone coating on the surface facingadhesive 1715. In the embodiment of wristband label sheet 1700 shown inFIG. 17A, liner material 1716 is bounded by leading edge 1720, trailingedge 1722, side edge 1724, and side edge 1726. Label sheet 1712 may beof any size. In at least one embodiment of label sheet 1712 according tothe present disclosure, the outer dimensions of label sheet 1712 areselected to enable label sheet 1712 to fit in a commercially availableprinting device. For example, in such an embodiment, the outerdimensions of label sheet 1712 may be 8½″×11″, 8½″×14″, or 210 mm×297mm.

In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, label material1714 comprises perimeter 1719 defining a boundary of label material1714. In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, at least aportion of perimeter 1719 is inboard of the boundary formed by leadingedge 1720, trailing edge 1722, side edge 1724, and side edge 1726. In atleast one embodiment of the present disclosure, perimeter 1719 iscoextensive with the boundary formed by leading edge 1720, trailing edge1722, side edge 1724, and side edge 1726.

In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, label material1714 comprises a material suitable for the printing of indicia thereon,such as, for example, paper, polyester, or another polymer material.Indicia may be marked or printed on the top side of label material 1714.For example, the top side of label material 1714 may be exposed to anink jet printer, a laser print, or another type of printing devicecapable of applying indicia to the top side of label material 1714. Theinks, toners, and/or other printing materials used in the application ofindicia to the top side of label material 1714 are selected to becompatible with the printing device used to apply such indicia, thematerial used for label material 1714, and the intended use of wristbandlabel sheet 1700.

In the embodiment of wristband label sheet 1700 shown in FIG. 17A, labelmaterial 1714 comprises a plurality of labels 1718. In at least oneembodiment, labels 1718 are die cut in label material 1714. In at leastone embodiment of the present disclosure, label material 1714 comprisestwenty-four labels 1718, each having dimensions of about 1″×2.5″. Othersizes and quantities of labels 1718 are possible.

In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, wristband 1732 isconstructed of a polyester material, although other materials suitablefor the intended use of wristband 1732 may be used. In at least oneembodiment of the present disclosure, wristband 1732 has dimensions ofabout 1″×10.75″, however wristband 1732 may be of any size that fits onlabel sheet 1712.

FIG. 17B shows a top view of wristband label sheet 1700 according to atleast one embodiment of the present disclosure without the applicationof wristband 1732. Shown in FIG. 17B are voids 1742 and 1744. In atleast one embodiment, voids 1742 and 1744 comprises portions of labelmaterial 1714 and adhesive 1715 that have been removed. As shown in FIG.17B, removal of such portions of label material 1714 exposes liner 1716.

Referring back to FIG. 17A, shown therein are the locations of labelmaterial and adhesive voids 1742 and 1744 that are obscured by wristband1732.

Indicia may be marked or printed on the top side of wristband 1732. Forexample, the top side of wristband 1732 may be exposed to an ink jetprinter, a laser print, or another type of printing device capable ofapplying indicia to the top side of wristband 1732. Indicia may beprinted on wristband 1732 before, after, or concurrently with theprinting of indicia on label material 1714. The inks, toners, and/orother printing materials used in the application of indicia to the topside of wristband 1732 are selected to be compatible with the printingdevice used to apply such indicia, the material used for wristband 1732,and the intended use of wristband 1732.

FIG. 18 shows a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of wristbandlabel sheet 1700 of FIG. 17A taken on line XVIII-XVIII of FIG. 17A, withthe proportions enhanced for purposes of clarity. Shown in FIG. 18 arelabel material 1714, adhesive layer 1715, liner material 1716, wristband1732, adhesive stripe 1736, adhesive stripe 1738, void 1742, and void1744.

According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure,wristband 1732 is removable from label sheet 1712 by grasping wristband1732 between adhesive stripe 1736 and adhesive stripe 1738 and pullingwristband 1732 away from label sheet 1712. FIG. 19 shows across-sectional view of an embodiment of wristband label sheet 1700according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, with theproportions enhanced for purposes of clarity. As shown in FIG. 19,wristband 1732 is separated from label sheet 1712. As shown in FIG. 19,adhesive stripe 1736 and adhesive stripe 1738 remain adhered to theunderside of wristband 1732 after wristband 1732 is separated from labelsheet 1712.

FIG. 20 shows the underside of wristband 1732 after separation fromlabel sheet 1712, according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure. Shown in FIG. 20 are wristband 1732 comprising adhesivestripe 1736 and adhesive stripe 1738. In at least one embodiment of thepresent disclosure, adhesive stripe 1736 and adhesive stripe 1738comprises a layer of a repositionable adhesive. In at least oneembodiment of the present disclosure, adhesive stripe 1736 and adhesivestripe 1738 comprises a layer of a removable adhesive. In at least oneembodiment of the present disclosure, adhesive stripe 1736 and adhesivestripe 1738 comprises a layer of a pressure sensitive adhesive. Whenwristband 1732 according to an embodiment of the present invention islooped around the wrist of a subject, and the ends of wristband 1732 areadhered together using one or more of adhesive stripe 1736 and adhesivestripe 1738 on wristband 1732.

FIG. 21 shows a top view of wristband label sheet 2110 according to atleast one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 26 also shows a topview of wristband label sheet 2110 according to at least one embodimentof the present disclosure.

Shown in FIG. 21 are label sheet 2112, comprising label material 2114and liner material 2116. Adhesive 2115 (not shown in FIG. 21) isinterposed between label material 2114 and liner material 2116 andremovably adheres label material 2114 to liner material 2116. In atleast one embodiment of the present disclosure, liner material 2116comprises a silicone coating on the surface facing adhesive 2115. In theembodiment of wristband label sheet 2110 shown in FIG. 21, linermaterial 2116 is bounded by leading edge 2120, trailing edge 2122, sideedge 2124, and side edge 2126. Label sheet 2112 may be of any size. Inat least one embodiment of label sheet 2112 according to the presentdisclosure, the outer dimensions of label sheet 2112 are selected toenable label sheet 2112 to fit in a commercially available printingdevice. For example, in such an embodiment, the outer dimensions oflabel sheet 2112 may be 8½″×11″, 8½″×14″, or 210 mm×297 mm.

In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, label material2114 comprises perimeter 2119 defining a boundary of label material2114. In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, at least aportion of perimeter 2119 is inboard of the boundary formed by leadingedge 2120, trailing edge 2122, side edge 2124, and side edge 2126. In atleast one embodiment of the present disclosure, perimeter 2119 iscoextensive with the boundary formed by leading edge 2120, trailing edge2122, side edge 2124, and side edge 2126.

In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, label material2114 comprises a material suitable for the printing of indicia thereon,such as, for example, paper, polyester, or another polymer material.Indicia may be marked or printed on the top side of label material 2114.For example, the top side of label material 2114 may be exposed to anink jet printer, a laser print, or another type of printing devicecapable of applying indicia to the top side of label material 2114. Theinks, toners, and/or other printing materials used in the application ofindicia to the top side of label material 2114 are selected to becompatible with the printing device used to apply such indicia, thematerial used for label material 2114, and the intended use of wristbandlabel sheet 2110.

In the embodiment of wristband label sheet 2110 shown in FIG. 21, labelmaterial 2114 comprises a plurality of labels 2118. In at least oneembodiment, labels 2118 are die cut in label material 2114. In at leastone embodiment of the present disclosure, label material 2114 comprisestwenty-four labels 2118, each having dimensions of about 1″×2.5″. Othersizes and quantities of labels 2118 are possible.

In the embodiment of wristband label sheet 2110 shown in FIG. 21, labelmaterial 2114 comprises release patch 2128 and release patch 2130.Release patches 2128, 2130 comprise areas of a release coating (such as,for example, a silicone) applied to the surface of label material 2114,to allow the removable adherence of wristband 2132 to label sheet 2114,as discussed hereinafter. In at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure, release patches 2128, 2130 comprise free radical ultravioletcured silicone. In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure,release patches 2128, 2130 comprise a cationic ultraviolet cured releasecoating. Alternatively, any type of coating (including no-siliconecoatings) that permits the removable adherence of wristband 2132 tolabel sheet 2114 may be used.

Also shown in the embodiment of wristband label sheet 2110 of FIG. 21 iswristband 2132 comprising stub 2133 and lines of weakness 2140, 2141. Inat least one embodiment of the present disclosure, lines of weakness2140 and/or 2141 comprise a series of perforations cut into wristband2132, such as by diecutting. In at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure, lines of weakness 2140 and/or 2141 comprise a continuousline of weakness cut into wristband 2132, such as by diecutting. In atleast one embodiment of the present disclosure, wristband 2132(including stub 2133) is constructed of a polyester material, althoughother materials suitable for the intended use of wristband 2132 may beused. In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, wristband2132 has dimensions of about 1″×10.75″, however wristband 2132 may be ofany size that fits on label sheet 2112.

FIG. 22 shows the underside of wristband 2132 before attachment to labelsheet 2112, according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure. Shown in FIG. 22 are wristband 2132 comprising stub 2133,adhesive stripe 2136, and adhesive stripe 2138. In at least oneembodiment of the present disclosure, adhesive stripes 2136, 2138comprise a layer of a hot melt adhesive.

Referring back to FIG. 21, shown therein are the locations of adhesivestripes 2136, 2138 on the underside of wristband 2132. A portion ofadhesive stripe 2136 is interposed between label material 2114 and stub2133, and adheres label material 2114 to stub 2133. A portion ofadhesive stripe 2136 is interposed between wristband 2132 and releasepatch 2128 and removably adheres wristband 2132 to release patch 2128.Adhesive stripe 2138 is interposed between wristband 2132 and releasepatch 2130 and removably adheres wristband 2132 to release patch 2130.As discussed herein, adhesive stripes 2136, 2138 are operable to securewristband 2132 around a subject's wrist after wristband 2132 is removedfrom label sheet 2112.

Indicia may be marked or printed on the top side of wristband 2132. Forexample, the top side of wristband 2132 may be exposed to an ink jetprinter, a laser print, or another type of printing device capable ofapplying indicia to the top side of wristband 2132. Indicia may beprinted on wristband 2132 before, after, or concurrently with theprinting of indicia on label material 2114. The inks, toners, and/orother printing materials used in the application of indicia to the topside of wristband 2132 are selected to be compatible with the printingdevice used to apply such indicia, the material used for wristband 2132,and the intended use of wristband 2132.

FIG. 23 shows a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of wristbandlabel sheet 2110 of FIG. 21 taken on line XIII-XIII of FIG. 21, with theproportions enhanced for purposes of clarity. Shown in FIG. 23 are labelmaterial 2114, adhesive layer 2115, liner material 2116, release patch2128, release patch 2130, wristband 2132, stub 2133, adhesive stripe2136, adhesive stripe 2138, and line of weakness 2140. As shown in FIG.23, a portion of adhesive stripe 2136 is interposed between labelmaterial 2114 and stub 2133, and a portion of adhesive stripe 2136 isinterposed between wristband 2132 and release patch 2128.

According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure,wristband 2132 is removable from label sheet 2112 by grasping wristband2132 between adhesive stripe 2136 and adhesive stripe 2138 and pullingwristband 2132 away from label sheet 2112. FIG. 24 shows across-sectional view of an embodiment of wristband label sheet 2110according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, with theproportions enhanced for purposes of clarity. As shown in FIG. 24,wristband 2132 is partially separated from label sheet 2112. As shown inFIG. 24, adhesive stripe 2138 and the portion of adhesive stripe 2138interposed between wristband 2132 and release patch 2128 have separatedfrom release patch 2130 and release patch 2128, respectively. Releasepatch 2128 and release patch 2130 remain on the top surface of labelmaterial 2114. Adhesive stripe 2138 and a portion of adhesive stripe2136 remain adhered to the underside of wristband 2132. Stub 2133remains adhered to the top surface of label material 2114 by a portionof adhesive stripe 2136. Wristband 2132 remains attach to stub 2133 atline of weakness 2140.

FIG. 25 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of wristband labelsheet 2110 according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure, with the proportions enhanced for purposes of clarity. Asshown in FIG. 25, wristband 2132 is fully separated from label sheet2112, and wristband 2132 is separated from stub 2133 at line of weakness2140. Stub 2133 remains adhered to the top surface of label material2114 by a portion of adhesive stripe 2136. As shown in FIG. 25, adhesivestripe 2138 and a portion of adhesive stripe 2136 remain adhered to theunderside of wristband 2132, and release patch 2128 and release patch2130 remain adhered to label material 2114. Wristband 2132 comprisesline of weakness 2141 (not shown in FIG. 25).

FIGS. 27A-C shows a flowchart illustrating a process for manufacturing awristband label sheet according to at least one embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

In step 2701 of the embodiment of the present disclosure shown in FIG.27A, a web of label material comprising a silicone coated liner, labelface material, and a pressure sensitive adhesive interposed between thesilicone coated liner and label face material, is unwound from a rolland fed mechanically into one or more flexographic printheads. Accordingto at least on embodiment of the present disclosure, the web of labelmaterial comprises an edge margin of at least about ½″ on each edge,such that the overall width of web of label material is 1″ greater thanthe desired width of the finished product.

Alternatively, separate webs of liner material and label face materialmay be unwound from a roll and fed mechanically into a process by whicha pressure sensitive adhesive is applied to either the liner material orlabel face material, and then the liner material and label face materialare laminated to together with the pressure sensitive adhesiveinterposed between the liner material and label face material. In suchan application the pressure sensitive adhesive may be coated edge toedge or it may be coated in a pattern with voids of adhesive whererequired.

In step 2702 of the embodiment of the present disclosure shown in FIG.27A, one or more flexographic printheads apply one or more releasepatches comprising silicone or another type of release coating to thesurface of the label face material. Such flexographic printheads alsomay apply colored inks. If advantageous to improve the performance ofthe silicone or other type of release patch material, a primer may beprinted prior to printing the silicone or other release coating. In atleast one embodiment of the present disclosure, the silicone that isused is free radical ultraviolet curable silicone, in which the siliconeis printed with conventional flexoprinting technology and then is curedin a ultraviolet curing system that exposes the uncured silicone toultraviolet light. In such cases, the flexographic printing step shownon FIG. 27A includes a ultraviolet curing step. In at least oneembodiment of the present disclosure, such an ultraviolet curing systemcomprises nitrogen to promote the cure. Other embodiments of the presentdisclosure may use ultraviolet curable silicones that do not requirenitrogen to cure, but such silicones may be less reliable for consistentrelease values. Still other embodiments of the present disclosure userelease coatings that do not contain silicone and may or may not requireultraviolet light to cure or dry.

In step 2703 of the embodiment of the present disclosure shown in FIG.27A, after the flexographic printing step, the web of label materialthen travels through rotary die stations, where the web of labelmaterial can be die cut to create multiple labels, label cavities,slits, peel tabs, lines of weakness, perforations, punched holes forinsertion into binders or folders, or any other specified die cutting.Such die cutting may be die cutting of the label face material only, theliner material only, or both the label face material and the linermaterial.

In step 2704 of the embodiment of the present disclosure shown in FIG.27A, the web of label material proceeds to a punching station wherepinfeed holes are punched in ½″ margins at each edge of the web of labelmaterial, to facilitate registration of the web of label material in theprocess during which wristbands are applied to the web of label material(discussed hereinafter).

In step 2705 of the embodiment of the present disclosure shown in FIG.27A, if required for the wristband label sheet design, portions of thelabel face material are removed. For example, it may be required for thewristband label sheet design that the border comprising the outer edgesof the label face material be removed prior to delivery to a customer.In such a case, the border can be separated from the portion of thelabel face material that is desired to remain by a die cut through thelabel face material only, and then the waste at the border of the labelface material can be peeled off at a waste removal station and thenwound on a waste roll or sucked away by a vacuum removal system.

In step 2706 of the embodiment of the present disclosure shown in FIG.27A, after printing of release patches, die cutting, and punching ofpinfeed holes, the web of label material is rewound onto rolls that willbe furnished to the patching machine process.

In step 2707 of the embodiment of the present disclosure shown in FIG.27B, the rolled web of label material from step 2707 is unwound and fedinto a patching machine, wherein one or more wristbands will be appliedto the web of label material.

In at least one alternative embodiment of the present disclosure, thesteps shown as step 2706 and step 2707 of the embodiment of the presentdisclosure shown in FIG. 27B may be omitted. In such an embodiment, theweb of label material proceeds to step 2708 of the embodiment of thepresent disclosure shown in FIG. 27B.

In step 2708 of the embodiment of the present disclosure shown in FIG.27B, the punched pinfeed holes in the web of label material engage witha pinfeed mechanism of the patching machine. The pinfeed mechanism ofthe patching machine pulls the web of label material into and throughthe patching machine by pins that penetrate the previously punchedpinfeed holes and rotate on gear driven shafts to drive the web of labelmaterial through the patching machine at a predetermined feed rate.

In step 2709 of the embodiment of the present disclosure shown in FIG.27B, a roll of wristband material (such as, for example, a roll of apolyester material) is unwound mechanically and fed into the patchingmachine. According to at least on embodiment of the present disclosure,the width of the wristband material on the roll of wristband material isthe same as the desired width of the wristband to be applied to appliedto the web of label material (discussed hereinafter).

In step 2710 of the embodiment of the present disclosure shown in FIG.27B, the patching machine coats one or more stripes of adhesive on theunderside the web of wristband material polyester at an adhesive coatingstation.

In step 2711 of the embodiment of the present disclosure shown in FIG.27B, the patching machine cuts each wristband to a predetermined length.For example, if the finished product required a 1″ long wristband, thepatching machine cuts off a 1″ length of wristband material from theroll of wristband material. In an exemplary embodiment where a 1″ long,10.75″ wide wristband is to be applied to a 8.5″ long label sheet, the10.75″ wide web of wristband material is fed by computer controlled niptype feed rollers at a rate of 1″ for every 8.5″ of label material isthat is fed through the patching machine. Although a 1″ long wristbandis used this example, the wristband can be any length. The length of thewristband can be controlled by entering a desired length in thecomputerized controller for the nip type feed rollers. The adhesivestriped, optionally perforated, web of wristband material is fed at thechosen rate to a vacuum cylinder. The vacuum cylinder holds the web ofwristband material in place while a cutting cylinder cuts a wristband ofthe predetermined length from the web. The vacuum cylinder serves as acutting anvil for the knife of a cutting cylinder. In certainembodiments of the present disclosure, a liquid silicone applicationcontacts the knives of the cutting cylinder to prevent the exposedadhesive that is on the web of wristband material from sticking to theknives of the cutting cylinder.

In step 2712 of the embodiment of the present disclosure shown in FIG.27C, after the wristband is cut to length, the vacuum cylinder carrieseach cut-off wristband to an impression roller that is wrapped by theweb of label material. At the impression roller the wristband istransferred from the vacuum cylinder to the face of the web of labelmaterial. The wristband is applied such that one or more of the adhesivestripes on the underside of the wristband are aligned with one or moreof the release patches on the label face material. The wristband isadhered to the web of label material by the adhesive stripes that wereapplied to the underside of the wristband. The patching machinecomprises gearing that keeps the cutting cylinder and vacuum cylinder intime with the pace at which the patching machine's pinfeed mechanismmoves the web of label material.

In step 2713 of the embodiment of the present disclosure shown in FIG.27C, if required for the wristband label sheet design, lines of weaknessare diecut into the wristband at a diecutting station. This diecuttingis done after the wristband is applied to the label face material.

In step 2714 of the embodiment of the present disclosure shown in FIG.27C, if required for the wristband label sheet design, the ¼″ margins(including the pinfeed holes) are mechanically trimmed off of the web oflabel material at a trimming station.

In step 2715 of the embodiment of the present disclosure shown in FIG.27C, if required for the wristband label sheet design, the web of labelmaterial including the applied wristband is mechanically cut into sheetsat a sheeter station, with each sheet containing one or more wristbandsas required by the wristband label sheet design. The sheets are fed intoa hatcher/stacker, and then may be shrink-wrapped and packaged. Sheetingis an alternative to the fanfolding step discussed hereinafter.

In step 2716 of the embodiment of the present disclosure shown in FIG.27C, if required for the wristband label sheet design, the web of labelmaterial including the applied wristband may be fanfolded in-line with amechanical folder or by gravity in waterfall fashion, with each fanfoldcontaining one or more wristbands as required by the wristband labelsheet design. The wristband label sheet design may require the ½″margins with pinfeed holes to be left on the fanfolded web of labelmaterial. Fanfolding is an alternative to the sheeting step discussedabove.

FIG. 28 shows the underside of wristband 2132 after removal from labelsheet 2112, according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure. Shown in FIG. 22 are wristband 2132 comprising first end2132 a, second end 2132 b, adhesive stripe 2136, adhesive stripe 2138,and line of weakness 2141. An adhesive surface of each of adhesivestripe 2136 and adhesive stripe 2138 is exposed after removal from labelsheet 2112.

FIGS. 29A-B show side views of wristband 2132 after removal from labelsheet 2112, as it is put into use. FIG. 29A shows a side view ofwristband 2132 after removal from label sheet 2112, according to atleast one embodiment of the present disclosure. Shown in FIG. 29A arewristband 2132 comprising first end 2132 a, second end 2132 b, adhesivestripe 2136, and adhesive stripe 2138.

As shown in FIG. 29B, wristband 2132 is formed into a loop. The exposedadhesive surface of adhesive stripe 2138 is brought into contact withand adhered to wristband 2132 (as shown by arrow 2139). After adhesivestripe 2138 is adhered to wristband 2132, the exposed adhesive surfaceof adhesive stripe 2136 is brought into contact with and adhered towristband 2132 (as shown by arrow 2137). First end 2132 a and second end2132 b thereby are adhered together. In normal use, wristband 2132 islooped around the wrist of a subject in the manner shown in FIG. 9.Optionally, one or more labels 2118 may be removed from liner material2116 and adhered to wristband 2132.

FIG. 30 shows a perspective view of a portion of wristband 2132according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure,including first end 2132 a and second end 2132 b. FIG. 30 illustratesthe operation of certain tamper-detection features of wristband 2132according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shownin FIG. 30, after first end 2132 a and second end 2132 b have beenadhered together by adhesive stripe 2138 (not shown) thereby attachingwristband 2132 around the wrist of a subject (not shown), an attempt ismade to remove wristband 2132 from the subject's wrist by separatingfirst end 2132 a from second end 2132 b. As shown in FIG. 30, accordingto at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, strip 2132 cseparates from first end 2132 a beginning at line of weakness 2141.Strip 2132 c remains adhered to end 2132 b, while the remainder of firstend 2132 a is peeled away. The separation of strip 2132 c from first end2132 a reveals that an attempt has been made to remove wristband 2132from the subject's wrist.

FIG. 31 shows a top view of wristband label sheet 3010 according to atleast one embodiment of the present disclosure. Shown in FIG. 31 arelabel sheet 3012, comprising label material 3014 and liner material3016. Adhesive 3015 (not shown in FIG. 31) is interposed between labelmaterial 3014 and liner material 3016 and removably adheres labelmaterial 3014 to liner material 3016. In at least one embodiment of thepresent disclosure, liner material 3016 comprises a silicone coating onthe surface facing adhesive 3015. In the embodiment of wristband labelsheet 3010 shown in FIG. 31, liner material 3016 is bounded by leadingedge 3020, trailing edge 3022, side edge 3024, and side edge 3026. Labelsheet 3012 may be of any size. In at least one embodiment of label sheet3012 according to the present disclosure, the outer dimensions of labelsheet 3012 are selected to enable label sheet 3012 to fit in acommercially available printing device. For example, in such anembodiment the outer dimensions of label sheet 3012 may be 8½″×11″,8½″×14″, or 210 mm×297 mm.

In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, label material3014 comprises perimeter 3019 defining a boundary of label material3014. In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, at least aportion of perimeter 3019 is inboard of the boundary formed by leadingedge 3020, trailing edge 3022, side edge 3024, and side edge 3026. In atleast one embodiment of the present disclosure, perimeter 3019 iscoextensive with the boundary formed by leading edge 3020, trailing edge3022, side edge 3024, and side edge 3026.

In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, label material3014 comprises a material suitable for the printing of indicia thereon,such as, for example, paper, polyester, or another polymer material.Indicia may be marked or printed on the top side of label material 3014.For example, the top side of label material 3014 may be exposed to anink jet printer, a laser print, or another type of printing devicecapable of applying indicia to the top side of label material 3014. Theinks, toners, and/or other printing materials used in the application ofindicia to the top side of label material 3014 are selected to becompatible with the printing device used to apply such indicia, thematerial used for label material 3014, and the intended use of wristbandlabel sheet 3010.

In the embodiment of wristband label sheet 3010 shown in FIG. 31, labelmaterial 3014 comprises a plurality of labels 3018. In at least oneembodiment, labels 3018 are die cut in label material 3014. In at leastone embodiment of the present disclosure, label material 3014 comprisestwenty-four labels 3018, each having dimensions of about 1″×2.5″. Othersizes and quantities of labels 3018 are possible.

In the embodiment of wristband label sheet 3010 shown in FIG. 31, labelmaterial 3014 comprises release patch 3028 and release patch 3030.Release patches 3028, 3030 comprise areas of a release coating (such as,for example, a silicone) applied to the surface of label material 3014,to allow the removable adherence of wristband 3032 to label sheet 3014,as discussed hereinafter. In at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure, release patches 3028, 3030 comprise free radical ultravioletcured silicone. In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure,release patches 3028, 3030 comprise a cationic ultraviolet cured releasecoating. Alternatively, any type of coating (including no-siliconecoatings) that permits the removable adherence of wristband 3032 tolabel sheet 3014 may be used.

In at least one embodiment, wristband 3032 comprises a pressuresensitive laminate at one or both ends of the wristband material. Asshown in the embodiment of wristband 3032 shown in FIG. 31, each end ofwristband 3032 comprises a strip of a flexible laminate material, whichare identified by references numerals 3042, 3044. Laminate materialstrips 3042, 3044 are shown with cross-hatching in FIG. 31, however inpractice laminate material strips 3042, 3044 may be clear, opaque, ortranslucent.

The underside of laminate material strips 3042, 3044 comprises apressure sensitive adhesive, which serves to adhere laminate materialstrips 3042, 3044 to a surface of the wristband material of wristband3032, as well as to removably adhere the laminate material strips 3042,3044 to release patches 3028, 3030. In at least one embodiment eachlaminate material strip 3042, 3044 is cut narrower than the width of thewristband material of wristband 3032. In at least one embodiment eachlaminate material strip 3042, 3044 extends approximately ¼″ to ½″ pastthe end of the wristband material of wristband 3032. In at least oneembodiment each laminate material strip 3042, 3044 overlaps the end ofthe polyester material by approximately ¼″ to ½″. However, the length towhich each laminate material strip 3042, 3044 extend beyond the end ofthe wristband material, and the length to which each laminate materialstrip 3042, 3044 overlaps of the wristband material, can be varied andstill remain within the scope of the present disclosure.

The locations of pressure sensitive adhesive 3036, 3038 on the undersideof laminate material strip 3042, 3044 are shown in FIG. 31. A portion ofpressure sensitive adhesive 3036 is interposed between release patch3028 and laminate material strip 3044, and removably adheres releasepatch 3028 and laminate material strip 3044. A portion of pressuresensitive adhesive 3036 is interposed between wristband 3032 andlaminate material strip 3044, and adheres wristband 3032 and laminatematerial strip 3044. A portion of pressure sensitive adhesive 3038 isinterposed between release patch 3030 and laminate material strip 3042,and removably adheres release patch 3030 and laminate material strip3042. A portion of pressure sensitive adhesive 3036 is interposedbetween wristband 3032 and laminate material strip 3042, and adhereswristband 3032 and laminate material strip 3042. As discussed herein,pressure sensitive adhesive 3036, 3038 are operable to secure wristband3032 around a subject's wrist after wristband 3032 is removed from labelsheet 3012.

Indicia may be marked or printed on the top side of wristband 3032. Forexample, the top side of wristband 3032 may be exposed to an ink jetprinter, a laser print, or another type of printing device capable ofapplying indicia to the top side of wristband 3032. Indicia may beprinted on wristband 3032 before, after, or concurrently with theprinting of indicia on label material 3014. The inks, toners, and/orother printing materials used in the application of indicia to the topside of wristband 3032 are selected to be compatible with the printingdevice used to apply such indicia, the material used for wristband 3032,and the intended use of wristband 3032.

FIG. 32 shows a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of wristbandlabel sheet 3010 of FIG. 31 taken on line XXXII-XXXII of FIG. 31, withthe proportions enhanced for purposes of clarity. Shown in FIG. 32 arelabel material 3014, adhesive layer 3015, liner material 3016, releasepatch 3028, release patch 3030, wristband 3032, adhesive 3036, adhesive3038, laminate material strip 3042, and laminate material strip 3044.

According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure,wristband 3032 is removable from label sheet 3012 by grasping wristband3032 between adhesive 3036 and adhesive 3038 and pulling wristband 3032away from label sheet 3012. FIG. 33 shows a cross-sectional view of anembodiment of wristband label sheet 3010 according to FIG. 32. As shownin FIG. 33, wristband 3032 is fully separated from label sheet 3014. Asshown in FIG. 33, adhesive 3036 remains adhered to the underside oflaminate material strip 3044, and adhesive 3038 remains adhered to theunderside of laminate material strip 3042. Laminate material strips3042, 3044 remain adhered to wristband 3032.

FIG. 34 shows a top view of an alternate embodiment of wristband labelsheet 3010 according to the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 34,laminate material strip 3044 comprises stub 3033 and line of weakness3040.

FIG. 35 shows a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of wristbandlabel sheet 3010 of FIG. 34 taken on line XXXV-XXXV of FIG. 34, with theproportions enhanced for purposes of clarity. Shown in FIG. 35 are labelmaterial 3014, adhesive layer 3015, liner material 3016, release patch3028, release patch 3030, wristband 3032, stub 3033, adhesive 3036,adhesive 3038, line of weakness 3040, laminate material strip 3042, andlaminate material strip 3044.

According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure,wristband 3032 is removable from label sheet 3012 by grasping wristband3032 between adhesive 3036 and adhesive 3038 and pulling wristband 3032away from label sheet 3012. FIG. 36 shows a cross-sectional view of anembodiment of wristband label sheet 3010 according to FIG. 34. As shownin FIG. 36, wristband 3032 is fully separated from label sheet 3014, andlaminate material strip 3044 is separated from stub 3033 at line ofweakness 3040. As shown in FIG. 36, a portion of adhesive 3036 remainsadhered to the underside of laminate material strip 3044, and a portionof adhesive 3036 remains adheres to the underside of stub 3033, adheringstub 3033 to label material 3014. As shown in FIG. 36, adhesive 3038remains adhered to the underside of laminate material strip 3042.Laminate material strips 3042, 3044 remain adhered to wristband 3032.

FIGS. 37A-B show side views of wristband 3032 after removal from labelsheet 3012, as it is put into use. FIG. 37A shows a side view ofwristband 3032 after removal from label sheet 3012, according to atleast one embodiment of the present disclosure. Adhesive 3036, 3038 onlaminate material strip 3044 and laminate material strip 3042,respectively, are exposed after wristband 3032 is removed from labelsheet 3012. Shown in FIG. 37A are wristband 3032 comprising first end3032 a, second end 3032 b, laminate material strip 3042, and laminatematerial strip 3044.

As shown in FIG. 37B, wristband 3032 is formed into a loop. The exposedadhesive surface of laminate material strip 3042 is brought into contactwith and adhered to wristband 3032 (as shown by arrow 3039). Afterlaminate material strip 3042 is adhered to wristband 2132, the exposedadhesive surface of laminate material strip 3044 is brought into contactwith and adhered to wristband 3032 (as shown by arrow 3037). First end3032 a and second end 3032 b thereby are adhered together. In normaluse, wristband 3032 is looped around the wrist of a subject in themanner shown in FIG. 9. Optionally, one or more labels 3018 may beremoved from liner material 3016 and adhered to wristband 3032.

FIGS. 38A-D shows a flowchart illustrating a process for manufacturing awristband label sheet according to at least one embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

In step 3801 of the embodiment of the present disclosure shown in FIG.38A, a web of label material comprising a silicone coated liner, labelface material, and a pressure sensitive adhesive interposed between thesilicone coated liner and label face material, is unwound from a rolland fed mechanically into one or more flexographic printheads. Accordingto at least on embodiment of the present disclosure, the web of labelmaterial comprises an edge margin of at least about ½″ on each edge,such that the overall width of web of label material is 1″ greater thanthe desired width of the finished product.

Alternatively, separate webs of liner material and label face materialmay be unwound from a roll and fed mechanically into a process by whicha pressure sensitive adhesive is applied to either the liner material orlabel face material, and then the liner material and label face materialare laminated to together with the pressure sensitive adhesiveinterposed between the liner material and label face material. In suchan application the pressure sensitive adhesive may be coated edge toedge or it may be coated in a pattern with voids of adhesive whererequired.

In step 3802 of the embodiment of the present disclosure shown in FIG.38A, one or more flexographic printheads apply one or more releasepatches comprising silicone or another type of release coating to thesurface of the label face material. Such flexographic printheads alsomay apply colored inks. If advantageous to improve the performance ofthe silicone or other type of release patch material, a primer may beprinted prior to printing the silicone or other release coating. In atleast one embodiment of the present disclosure, the silicone that isused is free radical ultraviolet curable silicone, in which the siliconeis printed with conventional flexoprinting technology and then is curedin a ultraviolet curing system that exposes the uncured silicone toultraviolet light. In such cases, the flexographic printing step shownon FIG. 38A includes a ultraviolet curing step. In at least oneembodiment of the present disclosure, such an ultraviolet curing systemcomprises nitrogen to promote the cure. Other embodiments of the presentdisclosure may use ultraviolet curable silicones that do not requirenitrogen to cure, but such silicones may be less reliable for consistentrelease values. Still other embodiments of the present disclosure userelease coatings that do not contain silicone and may or may not requireultraviolet light to cure or dry.

In step 3803 of the embodiment of the present disclosure shown in FIG.38A, after the flexographic printing step, the web of label materialthen travels through rotary die stations, where the web of labelmaterial can be die cut to create multiple labels, label cavities,slits, peel tabs, lines of weakness, perforations, punched holes forinsertion into binders or folders, or any other specified die cutting.Such die cutting may be die cutting of the label face material only, theliner material only, or both the label face material and the linermaterial.

In step 3804 of the embodiment of the present disclosure shown in FIG.38A, the web of label material proceeds to a punching station wherepinfeed holes are punched in ½″ margins at each edge of the web of labelmaterial, to facilitate registration of the web of label material in theprocess during which wristbands are applied to the web of label material(discussed hereinafter).

In step 3805 of the embodiment of the present disclosure shown in FIG.38A, if required for the wristband label sheet design, portions of thelabel face material are removed. For example, it may be required for thewristband label sheet design that the border comprising the outer edgesof the label face material be removed prior to delivery to a customer.In such a case, the border can be separated from the portion of thelabel face material that is desired to remain by a die cut through thelabel face material only, and then the waste at the border of the labelface material can be peeled off at a waste removal station and thenwound on a waste roll or sucked away by a vacuum removal system.

In step 3806 of the embodiment of the present disclosure shown in FIG.38A, after printing of release patches, die cutting, and punching ofpinfeed holes, the web of label material is rewound onto rolls that willbe furnished to the patching machine process.

In step 3807 of the embodiment of the present disclosure shown in FIG.38B, the rolled web of label material from step 3807 is unwound and fedinto a patching machine, wherein one or more wristbands will be appliedto the web of label material.

In at least one alternative embodiment of the present disclosure, thesteps shown as step 3806 and step 3807 of the embodiment of the presentdisclosure shown in FIG. 38B may be omitted. In such an embodiment, theweb of label material proceeds to step 3808 of the embodiment of thepresent disclosure shown in FIG. 38B.

In step 3808 of the embodiment of the present disclosure shown in FIG.38B, the punched pinfeed holes in the web of label material engage witha pinfeed mechanism of the patching machine. The pinfeed mechanism ofthe patching machine pulls the web of label material into and throughthe patching machine by pins that penetrate the previously punchedpinfeed holes and rotate on gear driven shafts to drive the web of labelmaterial through the patching machine at a predetermined feed rate.

In step 3809 of the embodiment of the present disclosure shown in FIG.38B, a roll of wristband material (such as, for example, a roll of apolyester material) is unwound mechanically and fed into the patchingmachine. According to at least on embodiment of the present disclosure,the width of the wristband material on the roll of wristband material isthe same as or narrower than the desired width of the wristband to beapplied to applied to the web of label material (discussed hereinafter).

In step 3810 of the embodiment of the present disclosure shown in FIG.38B, one or more rolls of pressure sensitive laminate are unwoundmechanically from independent unwinds.

In step 3811 of the embodiment of the present disclosure shown in FIG.38B, the pressure sensitive laminate is laminated to the top surface ofthe unwound wristband material, with a portion of the pressure sensitivelaminate adhering to the surface of the wristband material and a portionof the pressure sensitive laminate extending past the edge of thewristband material, leaving adhesive exposed on the bottom surface wherethe laminate extends past the wristband material. The end of thepressure sensitive laminate becomes the end of the wristband and definesthe final width of the wristband.

In step 3812 of the embodiment of the present disclosure shown in FIG.38C, if required for the wristband label sheet design, lines of weaknessare cut into the unrolled laminate material at a perforating station.

In step 3813 of the embodiment of the present disclosure shown in FIG.38C, the patching machine optionally coats one or more stripes ofadhesive on the underside the web of wristband material polyester at anadhesive coating station.

In step 3814 of the embodiment of the present disclosure shown in FIG.38C, the patching machine cuts each wristband to a predetermined length.For example, if the finished product required a 1″ long wristband, thepatching machine cuts off a 1″ length of wristband material from theunwound web of wristband material with pressure sensitive laminate atone or both ends. In an exemplary embodiment where a 1″ long, 10.75″wide wristband is to be applied to a 8.5″ long label sheet, a 9.75″ wideweb of wristband material with ½″ of pressure sensitive laminateextending past each end is fed by computer controlled nip type feedrollers at a rate of 1″ for every 8.5″ of label material is that is fedthrough the patching machine. Although a 1″ long wristband is used inthis example, the wristband can be any length. The length of thewristband can be controlled by entering a desired length in thecomputerized controller for the nip type feed rollers. The laminated,optionally adhesive striped, optionally perforated, web of wristbandmaterial is fed at the chosen rate to a vacuum cylinder. The vacuumcylinder holds the web of wristband material in place while a cuttingcylinder cuts a wristband of the predetermined length from the web. Thevacuum cylinder serves as a cutting anvil for the knife of a cuttingcylinder. In certain embodiments of the present disclosure, a liquidsilicone application contacts the knives of the cutting cylinder toprevent the exposed adhesive that is on the web of wristband materialfrom sticking to the knives of the cutting cylinder.

In step 3815 of the embodiment of the present disclosure shown in FIG.38D, after the wristband is cut to length, the vacuum cylinder carrieseach cut-off wristband to an impression roller that is wrapped by theweb of label material. At the impression roller the wristband istransferred from the vacuum cylinder to the face of the web of labelmaterial. The wristband is applied such that the adhesive on theunderside of the pressure sensitive laminate, and the optional one ormore of the adhesive stripes on the underside of the wristband arealigned with one or more of the release patches on the label facematerial. The wristband is adhered to the web of label material by theadhesive on the underside of the pressure sensitive laminate, and theoptional adhesive stripes that were applied to the underside of thewristband. The patching machine comprises gearing that keeps the cuttingcylinder and vacuum cylinder in time with the pace at which the patchingmachine's pinfeed mechanism moves the web of label material.

In step 3816 of the embodiment of the present disclosure shown in FIG.38D, if required for the wristband label sheet design, the ½″ margins(including the pinfeed holes) are mechanically trimmed off of the web oflabel material at a trimming station.

In step 3817 of the embodiment of the present disclosure shown in FIG.38D, if required for the wristband label sheet design, the web of labelmaterial including the applied wristband is mechanically cut into sheetsat a sheeter station, with each sheet containing one or more wristbandsas required by the wristband label sheet design. The sheets are fed intoa batcher/stacker, and then may be shrink-wrapped and packaged. Sheetingis an alternative to the fanfolding step discussed hereinafter.

In step 3818 of the embodiment of the present disclosure shown in FIG.38D, if required for the wristband label sheet design, the web of labelmaterial including the applied wristband may be fanfolded in-line with amechanical folder or by gravity in waterfall fashion, with each fanfoldcontaining one or more wristbands as required by the wristband labelsheet design. The wristband label sheet design may require the ½″margins with pinfeed holes to be left on the fanfolded web of labelmaterial. Fanfolding is an alternative to the sheeting step discussedabove.

FIG. 39A shows a top view of wristband label sheet 3910 according to atleast one embodiment of the present disclosure. Shown in FIG. 39A arelabel sheet 3912, comprising label material 3914 and liner material3916. Adhesive 3915 (not shown in FIG. 39A) is interposed between labelmaterial 3914 and liner material 3916 and removably adheres labelmaterial 3914 to liner material 3916. In at least one embodiment of thepresent disclosure, liner material 3916 comprises a silicone coating onthe surface facing adhesive 3915. In the embodiment of wristband labelsheet 3910 shown in FIG. 39A, liner material 3916 is bounded by leadingedge 3920, trailing edge 3922, side edge 3924, and side edge 3926. Labelsheet 3912 may be of any size. In at least one embodiment of label sheet3912 according to the present disclosure, the outer dimensions of labelsheet 3912 are selected to enable label sheet 3912 to fit in acommercially available printing device. For example, in such anembodiment, the outer dimensions of label sheet 3912 may be 8½″×11″,8½″×14″, or 210 mm×297 mm.

In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, label material3914 comprises perimeter 3919 defining a boundary of label material3914. In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, at least aportion of perimeter 3919 is inboard of the boundary formed by leadingedge 3920, trailing edge 3922, side edge 3924, and side edge 3926. In atleast one embodiment of the present disclosure, perimeter 3919 iscoextensive with the boundary formed by leading edge 3920, trailing edge3922, side edge 3924, and side edge 3926.

In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, label material3914 comprises a material suitable for the printing of, indicia thereon,such as, for example, paper, polyester, or another polymer material.Indicia may be marked or printed on the top side of label material 3914.For example, the top side of label material 3914 may be exposed to anink jet printer, a laser print, or another type of printing devicecapable of applying indicia to the top side of label material 3914. Theinks, toners, and/or other printing materials used in the application ofindicia to the top side of label material 3914 are selected to becompatible with the printing device used to apply such indicia, thematerial used for label material 3914, and the intended use of wristbandlabel sheet 3910.

In the embodiment of wristband label sheet 3910 shown in FIG. 39A, labelmaterial 3914 comprises a plurality of labels 3918. In at least oneembodiment, labels 3918 are die cut in label material 3914. In at leastone embodiment of the present disclosure, label material 3914 comprisestwenty-four labels 3918, each having dimensions of about 1″×2.5″. Othersizes and quantities of labels 3918 are possible.

In the embodiment of wristband label sheet 3910 shown in FIG. 39A, labelmaterial 3914 comprises release patch 3928 and release patch 3930.Release patches 3928, 3930 comprise areas of a release coating (such as,for example, a silicone) applied to the surface of label material 3914,to allow the removable adherence of wristband 3932 to label sheet 3914,as discussed hereinafter. In at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure, release patches 3928, 3930 comprise free radical ultravioletcured silicone. In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure,release patches 3928, 3930 comprise a cationic ultraviolet cured releasecoating. Alternatively, any type of coating (including no-siliconecoatings) that permits the removable adherence of wristband 3932 tolabel sheet 3914 may be used.

Also shown in the embodiment of wristband label sheet 3910 of FIG. 39Ais wristband 3932 comprising stub 3933 and lines of weakness 3940, 3941.In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, lines of weakness3940 and/or 3941 comprise a series of perforations cut into wristband3932, such as by diecutting. In at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure, lines of weakness 3940 and/or 3941 comprise a continuousline of weakness cut into wristband 3932, such as by diecutting. In atleast one embodiment of the present disclosure, wristband 3932(including stub 3933) is constructed of a polyester material, althoughother materials suitable for the intended use of wristband 3932 may beused. In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, wristband3932 has dimensions of about 1″×10.75″, however wristband 3932 may be ofany size that fits on label sheet 3912.

Shown in FIG. 39A are the locations of adhesive stripes 3936, 3938 onthe underside of wristband 3932. A portion of adhesive stripe 3936 isinterposed between label material 3914 and stub 3933, and adheres labelmaterial 3914 to stub 3933. A portion of adhesive stripe 3936 isinterposed between wristband 3932 and release patch 3928 and removablyadheres wristband 3932 to release patch 3928. Adhesive stripe 3938 isinterposed between wristband 3932 and release patch 3930 and removablyadheres wristband 3932 to release patch 3930. As discussed herein,adhesive stripes 3936, 3938 are operable to secure wristband 3932 arounda subject's wrist after wristband 3932 is removed from label sheet 3912.

Shown in FIG. 39A is the location of dry lift adhesive material 3960 onthe underside of wristband 3932. Dry lift adhesive material 3960comprises a material capable of removably adhering the underside ofwristband 3932 to the top surface of label material 3914. The propertiesof dry lift adhesive material 3960 are such that when wristband 3932 isremoved from label material 3914, neither the underside of wristband3932 nor the top surface of label material 3914 will have perceptibletackiness or stickiness in the area where dry lift adhesive material3960 is used. In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, drylift adhesive material 3960 comprises a dry lift multi carrier laminatematerial such as, for example, Diamond Cote Coupon Based Transfer Tapesold by Accucote, Inc.

FIG. 40 shows a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of wristbandlabel sheet 3910 of FIG. 39A taken on line XL-XL of FIG. 39A, with theproportions enhanced for purposes of clarity. Shown in FIG. 40 are labelmaterial 3914, adhesive layer 3915, liner material 3916, release patch3928, release patch 3930, wristband 3932, stub 3933, adhesive stripe3936, adhesive stripe 3938, line of weakness 3940, and dry lift adhesivematerial 3960. As shown in FIG. 40, a portion of adhesive stripe 3936 isinterposed between label material 3914 and stub 3933, and a portion ofadhesive stripe 3936 is interposed between wristband 3932 and releasepatch 3928.

As shown in FIG. 40, dry lift adhesive material 3960 is interposedbetween label material 3914 and wristband 3932. As shown in FIG. 40, drylift adhesive material 3960 comprises first adhesive layer 3961, firstcarrier material 3962, dry lift adhesive layer 3963, second carriermaterial 3964, and second adhesive layer 3961. First adhesive layer 3961is interposed between first carrier material 3962 and label material3914 and permanently adheres first carrier material 3962 to labelmaterial 3914. Second adhesive layer 3965 is interposed between secondcarrier material 3964 and wristband 3932 and permanently adheres secondcarrier material 3964 to wristband 3932. Dry lift adhesive layer 3963 isinterposed between first carrier material 3962 and second carriermaterial 3964, and removably adheres first carrier material 3962 tosecond carrier material 3964.

According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure,wristband 3932 is removable from label sheet 3912 by pulling wristband3932 away from label sheet 3912 from the end of wristband 3932 that isopposite stub 3933. FIG. 41 shows a cross-sectional view of anembodiment of wristband label sheet 3910 according to at least oneembodiment of the present disclosure, with the proportions enhanced forpurposes of clarity. As shown in FIG. 41, wristband 3932 is partiallyseparated from label sheet 3912. As shown in FIG. 41, adhesive stripe3938 and the portion of adhesive stripe 3936 interposed betweenwristband 3932 and release patch 3928 have separated from release patch3930 and release patch 3928, respectively. Release patch 3928 andrelease patch 3930 remain on the top surface of label material 3914.Adhesive stripe 3938 and a portion of adhesive stripe 3936 remainadhered to the underside of wristband 3932. Stub 3933 remains adhered tothe top surface of label material 3914 by a portion of adhesive stripe3936. Wristband 3932 remains attach to stub 3933 at line of weakness3940. Dry lift adhesive material 3960 has separated, with first adhesivelayer 3961, first carrier material 3962, and dry lift adhesive layer3963 remaining adhered to label material 3914, and second adhesive layer3965 and second carrier material 3964 remaining adhered to wristband3932.

FIG. 42 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of wristband labelsheet 3910 according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure, with the proportions enhanced for purposes of clarity. Asshown in FIG. 42, wristband 3932 is fully separated from label sheet3912, and wristband 3932 is separated from stub 3933 at line of weakness3940. Stub 3933 remains adhered to the top surface of label material3914 by a portion of adhesive stripe 3936. As shown in FIG. 42, adhesivestripe 3938 and a portion of adhesive stripe 3936 remain adhered to theunderside of wristband 3932, and release patch 3928 and release patch3930 remain adhered to label material 3914. Wristband 3932 compriseslines of weakness 3941 (not shown in FIG. 42). First adhesive layer3961, first carrier material 3962, and dry lift adhesive layer 3963remain adhered to label material 3914, and second adhesive layer 3965and second carrier material 3964 remain adhered to wristband 3932. Asurface of dry lift adhesive layer 3963 is exposed, however theproperties of dry lift adhesive layer 3963 are such that there is noperceptible tackiness or stickiness on the exposed surface of dry liftadhesive layer 3963.

In the embodiment of the present disclosure shown in FIGS. 41-42, drylift adhesive material 3960 is shown cleanly separating at the boundarybetween first carrier material 3962 and dry lift adhesive layer 3963.However, in other embodiments dry lift adhesive material 3960 mayseparate separating at the boundary between second carrier material 3964and dry lift adhesive layer 3963. In still other embodiments, there maynot be a clean separation between dry lift adhesive layer 3963 and theadjacent layers of carrier material. Instead, for example, a portion ofdry lift adhesive layer 3963 may remain adhered to first carriermaterial 3962 and a portion of dry lift adhesive layer 3963 may remainadhered to second carrier material 3964. Nevertheless, each exposedsurface of dry lift adhesive layer 3963 will have no perceptibletackiness or stickiness.

FIG. 43 shows a detailed top view of one end of wristband 3932 followingremoval from label material 3914. Shown in FIG. 43 are wristband 3932and lines of weakness 3941. Lines of weakness 3941 are operable toprovide a tamper-detection feature for wristband 3932. Wristband 3931 islooped around the wrist of a subject in the manner substantially thesame as that shown in FIGS. 9 and 29A-B. If an attempt is made to removewristband 3932 from the subject's wrist, wristband 3932 will tear atlines of weakness 3941 in a manner substantially the same as that shownin FIG. 30, thereby revealing that an attempt was made to removewristband 3932.

FIG. 39B shows a top view of wristband label sheet 3910 according to atleast one embodiment of the present disclosure, with optional RFIDinlays 3950 and 3951 installed. An RFID inlay comprises a radiofrequency identification tag or another form of transponder. In at leastone embodiment of the present disclosure, an RFID inlay comprises apassive radio frequency identification tag or passive radio frequencytransponder, but other devices may be used.

RFID inlay 3950 is installed under wristband 3932. As shown in FIG. 39B,a portion of wristband 3932 is cut away to reveal RFID inlay 3950. In atleast one embodiment of the present disclosure, when wristband 3932 isremoved from label sheet 3912, RFID inlay 3950 remains adhered towristband 3932. When wristband 3932 is secured around the wrist of thesubject, RFID inlay 3950 will be attached to wristband 3932. Otherembodiments of wristband label sheets according to the presentdisclosure also may include one or more wristband mounted RFID inlays.

RFID inlay 3951 is installed between label material 3914 and linermaterial 3916 in registration with a label 3918. As shown in FIG. 39B, aportion of label material 3914 is cut away to reveal RFID inlay 3951. Inat least one embodiment of the present disclosure, when label 3918 isremoved, RFID inlay 3951 remains adhered to label 3918. When label 3918is re-adhered to another surface such as, for example, wristband 3932,RFID inlay 3951 will be under label 3918. Although only one RFID inlay3951 is shown in FIG. 39B, in other embodiments of wristband labelsheets according to the present disclosure, RFID inlays may be installedin multiple locations between the label material and liner material.

FIGS. 44A-D shows a flowchart illustrating a process for manufacturing awristband label sheet according to at least one embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

In step 4401 of the embodiment of the present disclosure shown in FIG.44A, a web of label material comprising a silicone coated liner, labelface material, and a pressure sensitive adhesive interposed between thesilicone coated liner and label face material, is unwound from a rolland fed mechanically into one or more flexographic printheads. Accordingto at least on embodiment of the present disclosure, the web of labelmaterial comprises an edge margin of at least about ½″ on each edge,such that the overall width of web of label material is 1″ greater thanthe desired width of the finished product.

Alternatively, separate webs of liner material and label face materialmay be unwound from a roll and fed mechanically into a process by whicha pressure sensitive adhesive is applied to either the liner material orlabel face material, and then the liner material and label face materialare laminated to together with the pressure sensitive adhesiveinterposed between the liner material and label face material. In suchan application the pressure sensitive adhesive may be coated edge toedge or it may be coated in a pattern with voids of adhesive whererequired.

In step 4402 of the embodiment of the present disclosure shown in FIG.44A, one or more flexographic printheads apply one or more releasepatches comprising silicone or another type of release coating to thesurface of the label face material. Such flexographic printheads alsomay apply colored inks. If advantageous to improve the performance ofthe silicone or other type of release patch material, a primer may beprinted prior to printing the silicone or other release coating. In atleast one embodiment of the present disclosure, the silicone that isused is free radical ultraviolet curable silicone, in which the siliconeis printed with conventional flexoprinting technology and then is curedin a ultraviolet curing system that exposes the uncured silicone toultraviolet light. In such cases, the flexographic printing step shownon FIG. 44A includes a ultraviolet curing step. In at least oneembodiment of the present disclosure, such an ultraviolet curing systemcomprises nitrogen to promote the cure. Other embodiments of the presentdisclosure may use ultraviolet curable silicones that do not requirenitrogen to cure, but such silicones may be less reliable for consistentrelease values. Still other embodiments of the present disclosure userelease coatings that do not contain silicone and may or may not requireultraviolet light to cure or dry.

In step 4403 of the embodiment of the present disclosure shown in FIG.44A, RFID inlays optionally may be installed between the silicone coatedliner and label face material. If RFID inlays are used, in step 4403 thesilicone coated liner and label face material are delaminated. Apredetermined number of RFID inlays are inserted under the labelmaterial in predetermined locations. Such RFID inlays are inserted inregistration with the locations of one or more of the labels to bediecut in step 4404 below. After the predetermined number of RFID inlaysare inserted under the label material in the predetermined locations,the silicone coated liner and label face material are re-laminated. IfRFID inlays are not installed between the silicone coated liner andlabel face material, then the process proceeds from step 4402 to step4404.

In step 4404 of the embodiment of the present disclosure shown in FIG.44A, the web of label material then travels through rotary die stations,where the web of label material can be die cut to create multiplelabels, label cavities, slits, peel tabs, lines of weakness,perforations, punched holes for insertion into binders or folders, orany other specified die cutting. Such die cutting may be die cutting ofthe label face material only, the liner material only, or both the labelface material and the liner material.

In step 4405 of the embodiment of the present disclosure shown in FIG.44A, the web of label material proceeds to a punching station wherepinfeed holes are punched in ½″ margins at each edge of the web of labelmaterial, to facilitate registration of the web of label material in theprocess during which wristbands are applied to the web of label material(discussed hereinafter).

In step 4406 of the embodiment of the present disclosure shown in FIG.44A, if required for the wristband label sheet design, portions of thelabel face material are removed. For example, it may be required for thewristband label sheet design that the border comprising the outer edgesof the label face material be removed prior to delivery to a customer.In such a case, the border can be separated from the portion of thelabel face material that is desired to remain by a die cut through thelabel face material only, and then the waste at the border of the labelface material can be peeled off at a waste removal station and thenwound on a waste roll or sucked away by a vacuum removal system.

In step 4407 of the embodiment of the present disclosure shown in FIG.44A, after printing of release patches, die cutting, and punching ofpinfeed holes, the web of label material is rewound onto rolls that willbe furnished to the patching machine process.

In step 4408 of the embodiment of the present disclosure shown in FIG.44B, a roll of wristband material (such as, for example, a roll of apolyester material) is unwound mechanically. According to at least onembodiment of the present disclosure, the width of the wristbandmaterial on the roll of wristband material is the same as the desiredwidth of the wristband to be applied to the web of label material(discussed hereinafter).

In step 4409 of the embodiment of the present disclosure shown in FIG.44B, a roll of dry lift adhesive material (such as, for example, a rollof Diamond Cote Coupon Based Transfer Tape sold by Accucote, Inc.) isunwound mechanically. According to at least on embodiment of the presentdisclosure, the width of the dry lift adhesive material on the roll isthe same as the desired width of the dry lift adhesive material to beapplied the roll of wristband material (discussed hereinafter).

In step 4410 of the embodiment of the present disclosure shown in FIG.44B, one or more RFID inlays optionally can be installed on the dry liftadhesive material in a manner that will result in the RFID inlay(s)being inserted between the dry lift adhesive material and the undersideof the wristband material. The installation of RFID inlays in controlledso that the desired number of RFID inlays (normally one) will be presentin each wristband. If RFID inlays are not installed on the dry liftadhesive material, then the process proceeds from step 4409 to step4411.

In step 4411 of the embodiment of the present disclosure shown in FIG.44B, the dry lift adhesive material is laminated to the underside of thewristband material. In at least one embodiment, the dry lift adhesivematerial comprises a permanent adhesive which is used to laminate thewristband material to the dry lift adhesive material. In at least oneembodiment, the dry lift adhesive material is laminated to the undersideof the wristband material so as to leave portions of the underside ofthe wristband material exposed at each edge of the wristband material.

In step 4412 of the embodiment of the present disclosure shown in FIG.44B, after the wristband material is laminated to the dry lift adhesivematerial, the web of laminated wristband material and dry lift adhesivematerial is rewound onto rolls that will be furnished to the patchingmachine process. If RFID inlays are used, the RFID inlays will becontained within the roll as well.

In step 4413 of the embodiment of the present disclosure shown in FIG.44C, the rolled web of label material from step 4407 is unwound and fedinto a patching machine, wherein one or more wristbands will be appliedto the web of label material.

In at least one alternative embodiment of the present disclosure, thesteps shown as step 4407 and step 4413 may be omitted. In such anembodiment, the web of label material proceeds from step 4406 to step4414.

In step 4414 of the embodiment of the present disclosure shown in FIG.44C, the punched pinfeed holes in the web of label material engage witha pinfeed mechanism of the patching machine. The pinfeed mechanism ofthe patching machine pulls the web of label material into and throughthe patching machine by pins that penetrate the previously punchedpinfeed holes and rotate on gear driven shafts to drive the web of labelmaterial through the patching machine at a predetermined feed rate.

In step 4415 of the embodiment of the present disclosure shown in FIG.44C, the roll of laminated wristband material and dry lift adhesivematerial is unwound mechanically and fed into the patching machine. IfRFID inlays are used, the RFID inlays will be contained within the rollas well.

In step 4416 of the embodiment of the present disclosure shown in FIG.44C, at an adhesive coating station the patching machine coats one ormore stripes of adhesive on the portions of the underside the web ofwristband material that were not covered by the laminated dry liftadhesive material.

In step 4417 of the embodiment of the present disclosure shown in FIG.44B, the patching machine cuts each wristband (including laminated drylift adhesive material) to a predetermined length. For example, if thefinished product required a 1″ long wristband, the patching machine cutsoff a 1″ length of wristband material from the roll of wristbandmaterial. In an exemplary embodiment where a 1″ long, 10.75″ widewristband is to be applied to a 8.5″ long label sheet, the 10.75″ wideweb of wristband material is fed by computer controlled nip type feedrollers at a rate of 1″ for every 8.5″ of label material is that is fedthrough the patching machine. Although a 1″ long wristband is used thisexample, the wristband can be any length. The length of the wristbandcan be controlled by entering a desired length in the computerizedcontroller for the nip type feed rollers. The adhesive striped,optionally perforated, web of wristband material is fed at the chosenrate to a vacuum cylinder. The vacuum cylinder holds the web ofwristband material in place while a cutting cylinder cuts a wristband ofthe predetermined length from the web. The vacuum cylinder serves as acutting anvil for the knife of a cutting cylinder. In certainembodiments of the present disclosure, a liquid silicone applicationcontacts the knives of the cutting cylinder to prevent the exposedadhesive that is on the web of wristband material from sticking to theknives of the cutting cylinder. If RFID inlays are used, the patchingmachine may possess a sensor to read the position of the RFID inlays andcut the wristband material between the RFID inlays.

In step 4418 of the embodiment of the present disclosure shown in FIG.44D, after the wristband is cut to length, the vacuum cylinder carrieseach cut-off wristband to an impression roller that is wrapped by theweb of label material. At the impression roller the wristband istransferred from the vacuum cylinder to the face of the web of labelmaterial. The wristband is applied such that one or more of the adhesivestripes on the underside of the wristband are aligned with one or moreof the release patches on the label face material. The wristband isadhered to the web of label material by the adhesive stripes that wereapplied to the underside of the wristband, and also by the dry liftadhesive material. The dry lift adhesive material comprises a permanentadhesive which is used to laminate the dry lift adhesive material to thelabel material. The patching machine comprises gearing that keeps thecutting cylinder and vacuum cylinder in time with the pace at which thepatching machine's pinfeed mechanism moves the web of label material.

In step 4419 of the embodiment of the present disclosure shown in FIG.44C, if required for the wristband label sheet design, lines of weaknessare diecut into the wristband at a diecutting station. This diecuttingis done after the wristband is applied to the label face material.

In step 4420 of the embodiment of the present disclosure shown in FIG.44C, if required for the wristband label sheet design, the ½″ margins(including the pinfeed holes) are mechanically trimmed off of the web oflabel material at a trimming station.

In step 4421 of the embodiment of the present disclosure shown in FIG.44C, if required for the wristband label sheet design, the web of labelmaterial including the applied wristband is mechanically cut into sheetsat a sheeter station, with each sheet containing one or more wristbandsas required by the wristband label sheet design. The sheets are fed intoa batcher/stacker, and then may be shrink-wrapped and packaged. Sheetingis an alternative to the fanfolding step discussed hereinafter.

In step 4422 of the embodiment of the present disclosure shown in FIG.44C, if required for the wristband label sheet design, the web of labelmaterial including the applied wristband may be fanfolded in-line with amechanical folder or by gravity in waterfall fashion, with each fanfoldcontaining one or more wristbands as required by the wristband labelsheet design. The wristband label sheet design may require the ½″margins with pinfeed holes to be left on the fanfolded web of labelmaterial. Fanfolding is an alternative to the sheeting step discussedabove.

While this disclosure has been described as having preferred designs,the apparatus and methods according to the present disclosure can befurther modified within the scope and spirit of this disclosure. Thisapplication is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, oradaptations of the disclosure using its general principles. For example,any methods disclosed herein and in the appended claims represent onepossible sequence of performing the steps thereof. A practitioner maydetermine in a particular implementation that a plurality of steps ofone or more of the disclosed methods may be combinable, or that adifferent sequence of steps may be employed to accomplish the sameresults.

In another example, although the embodiments disclosed herein aredisclosed in terms of the application of wristband to a label sheet,embodiments comprising the application of a wristband to another form ofsheet material such as, for example, paper or a plastic, are within thescope of the present disclosure.

In yet another example, although the embodiments disclosed herein aredisclosed in terms of one wristband per label sheet, embodimentscomprising the application of more than one wristband to a label sheetare within the scope of the present disclosure.

Each such implementation falls within the scope of the presentdisclosure as disclosed herein and in the appended claims. Furthermore,this application is intended to cover such departures from the presentdisclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art towhich this disclosure pertains.

We claim:
 1. A printable form comprising: a substrate material, saidsubstrate material comprising a leading edge, a trailing edge, first andsecond side edges, and a face ply, said face ply comprising a face plysurface; a wristband, said wristband comprising a top side and anopposing underside, said top side comprising a top surface, saidwristband being bounded by a leading margin, a trailing margin, andfirst and second side margins; a first laminate piece, said firstlaminate piece having a first upper side and an opposing first lowerside, said first lower side adhered to said top surface such that aportion of said first laminate piece extends past said leading marginexposing a region of said first lower side, said first laminate piecebeing smaller than said wristband; and a first adhesive stripe adheredto said exposed region of said first lower side, said first adhesivestripe releasably bonded to said face ply surface, wherein saidwristband is removable from said substrate material, and whereinfollowing removal from said substrate material said first laminate pieceremains adhered to said top surface.
 2. The printable form of claim 1,further comprising: at least one transponder attached to said wristband.3. The printable form of claim 2, further comprising: at least onerelease patch on said face ply surface, wherein said at least onerelease patch is interposed between said first adhesive stripe and saidface ply surface.
 4. The printable form of claim 2, wherein: a boundaryof at least one label is defined in said face ply.
 5. The printable formof claim 4, wherein said substrate material comprises a liner plyremovably adhered to said face ply, the printable form furthercomprising: at least one transponder between said liner ply and saidface ply within said boundary of said at least one label.
 6. Theprintable form of claim 1, wherein: said first laminate piece comprisesa line of weakness; and a first adhesive stripe is adhered to said firstlower side on each side of said line of weakness.
 7. The printable formof claim 1, further comprising: a second laminate piece, said secondlaminate piece having an second upper side and an opposing second lowerside, said second lower side adhered to said top surface such that aportion of said second laminate piece extends past said trailing marginexposing a region of said second lower side, said second laminate piecebeing smaller than said wristband; and a second adhesive stripe adheredto said exposed region of said second lower side, said second adhesivestripe releasably bonded to said face ply surface.
 8. The printable formof claim 7, further comprising: at least one transponder attached tosaid wristband.
 9. The printable form of claim 7, further comprising: atleast one release patch on said face ply surface, wherein said at leastone release patch is interposed between said second adhesive stripe andsaid face ply surface.
 10. The printable form of claim 7, wherein: aboundary of at least one label is defined in said face ply.
 11. Theprintable form of claim 7, wherein said substrate material comprises aliner ply removably adhered to said face ply, the printable form furthercomprising: at least one transponder between said liner ply and saidface ply within said boundary of said at least one label.
 12. Theprintable form of claim 7, wherein: said second laminate piece comprisesa line of weakness; and a second adhesive stripe is adhered to saidsecond lower side on each side of said line of weakness.
 13. Theprintable form of claim 7, wherein said wristband is removable from saidface ply, and wherein following removal from said face ply said secondadhesive stripe remains adhered to said underside surface.
 14. Theprintable form of claim 7, further comprising: a dry lift adhesivematerial interposed between said underside and said face ply, said drylift adhesive material causing said underside to be removably adhered tosaid face ply.
 15. The printable form of claim 1, wherein said wristbandis removable from said face ply, and wherein following removal from saidface ply said first adhesive stripe remains adhered to said undersidesurface.
 16. The printable form of claim 1, further comprising: a drylift adhesive material interposed between said underside and said faceply, said dry lift adhesive material causing said underside to beremovably adhered to said face ply.
 17. A method of using a printableform, the method comprising the steps of: providing a printable form,the printable form comprising: a substrate material, said substratematerial comprising a leading edge, a trailing edge, first and secondside edges, and a face ply, said face ply comprising a face ply surface,a wristband, said wristband comprising a top side and an opposingunderside, said top side comprising a top surface, said wristband beingbounded by a leading margin, a trailing margin, and first and secondside margins, a first laminate piece, said first laminate piece having afirst upper side and an opposing first lower side, said first lower sideadhered to said top surface such that a portion of said first laminatepiece extends past said leading margin exposing a region of said firstlower side, said first laminate piece being smaller than said wristband,and a first adhesive stripe adhered to said exposed region of said firstlower side, said first adhesive stripe releasably bonded to said faceply surface, wherein said wristband is removable from said substratematerial, and wherein following removal from said substrate materialsaid first laminate piece remains adhered to said top surface; removingsaid wristband by separating said first adhesive stripe from said faceply; and securing said wristband around a body part.